Introduction

Sjgren's (pronounced Show-grin's) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder.The bodys immune system attacks glands that secrete fluid, such as the tear and saliva glands.

The effects ofSjgren's syndrome can be widespread. Certain glands become inflamed, which reduces the production of tears and saliva, causing the main symptoms of Sjgren's syndrome, which are Dry eye syndrome and dry mouth .

In women (who are most commonly affected), the glands that keep the vagina moist can also be affected, leading to vaginal dryness .

Readmore about the symptoms of Sjgrens syndrome .

What causes Sjgren's syndrome?

Sjgren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition, which means that instead of protecting the body from infection or illness, the immune system reacts abnormally and starts attacking healthy cells and tissue.

In Sjgren's syndrome, the immune system attacks the tear and saliva glands,and other secretory glands throughout the body.

The reasons for this remains unknown, but research suggests that it's triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental and, possibly, hormonal factors.

Some people are thought to be more vulnerable to the syndrome when they're born and that certain events, such an infection, can trigger the problems with the immune system.

Dry eyes and mouth can usually behelped with artificial tears and saliva.

It's important to maintain good eye and mouth hygiene, because your risk of developing an infection is greater. Taking care of your eyes and mouth can help prevent problems such ascorneal ulcers and tooth decay .

In severe cases, medication or surgery may be recommended.

For example, your eyesight could be permanently damaged if the reduced tear production isn't treated.

Sjgren's syndrome also increases your risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma , which isa cancer of the lymph glands. However, the chancesare still low, at around 5%.

Women with Sjgren's syndrome have an increased risk of having children with a temporary "lupus" rashor heart abnormalities. Any pregnancy will be closely monitored for potential problems.

Who's affected bySjgren's syndrome?

Sjgren's syndrome most commonly affects people aged 40-60, with women accounting for about 90% of cases.

Its difficult to know exactly how many people are affected by the syndrome because many don't see their GP about their symptoms.

However, Arthritis Research UK estimates that there may be up to half a million people in the UK who have Sjgren's syndrome.

Information about you

If you have Sjgren's syndrome, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS).

This helps scientists look for better ways to prevent and treat this condition. You can opt out of the register at any time.

Find out more about the register .



Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 5 Jan 2017