Sjogren's syndrome: An overview

Sjögren's syndrome is an inflammatory disease that can affect different parts of the body, but most often affects the tear and saliva glands. Sjögren syndrome is classified as an autoimmune disorder, one of the conditions that occur when immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. In Sjögren syndrome, the immune system primarily attacks the glands that produce tears (the lacrimal glands) and saliva (the salivary glands), impairing the glands' ability to secrete these fluids. Dry eyes and dry mouth are the most common symptoms. Other parts of body, such as swollen glands around face and neck, dry skin or nasal passages, or painful and stiff joints. Disorders involving connective tissue inflammation are sometimes called rheumatic conditions. Most of the treatment for Sjögren's syndrome is aimed at relieving symptoms of dry eyes and mouth and preventing and treating long-term complications such as infection and dental disease.