Sjogren's syndrome

What is Sjogren’s syndrome?

In Sjogren's syndrome, the body attacks its own moisture-producing glands, such as the tear and salivary glands. In some cases, other organs of the body are also affected, including the:

• Kidneys
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Lungs
• Blood vessels
• Brain

Sjogren's syndrome may be classified as primary or secondary. Primary Sjogren's syndrome occurs alone; secondary Sjogren's syndrome is seen alongside another disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE).

Symptoms

There are many different symptoms of Sjogren's. However, not everyone experiences the same ones or to the same degree.

The characteristic dryness of Sjogren's means the eyes often feel very uncomfortable and may burn, itch or feel gritty. Mouth dryness makes talking, chewing and swallowing difficult.

Other symptoms include:

• A sore or cracked tongue
• Dry nose and skin
• Digestive problems
• Joint pains
• Fatigue
• Dental problems are more likely (because of the lack of saliva)

As is often the case with any long-term condition, a person's quality of life may be adversely affected. This may result in depression and make social life, work and relationships more difficult to maintain and enjoy.

Sjogren’s is also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, Raynauds phenomenom and adverse reactions to medication such as antibiotics.

Causes and risk factors

It's believed that the condition develops as a result of both genetic and environmental factors. Those who develop Sjogren's appear to have specific genes making them susceptible, but the gene alone doesn't make Sjogren's a certainty - something must trigger it. This trigger is most likely to be a bacterial or viral infection.

The infection promotes a normal response from the immune system, which launches an attack against the infection with fighter cells. However, the gene for Sjogren's syndrome causes these fighter cells to attack healthy parts of the body, such as the glands of the mouth and eyes. Moreover, the gene keeps the fighter cells alive so they cause further damage.

It's estimated that around half a million people in the UK have Sjogren's syndrome. Around 90 per cent of these are women. It can run in families and occurs at any age, but most often develops between the age of 40 and 60.

Treatment and recovery

It's not possible to prevent Sjogren's syndrome and there's no cure, but treatments can help to relieve many of the symptoms. Treatment varies depending on which parts of the body are affected and may include:

• Artificial tears to help with dry eyes
• Saliva stimulants and mouth lubricants for dry mouth
• Anti-inflammatory medication for joint or muscle pain
• Corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs for lung, kidney, blood vessel or nervous system problems