Sjögren's syndrome (pronounced show grins) is a long-term condition that mainly affects the glands that make tears and spit (saliva), although it can affect the joints, muscles, nerves and other organs.
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Sjögren’s is an autoimmune condition which means it is caused by cells that usually fight infection attacking your own cells, creating inflammation and damage to tissues.
It is much more common in women and usually occurs after the age of 40. Sjögren’s can occur with another autoimmune condition, eg, rheumatoid arthritis(external link), scleroderma or systemic lupus erythematosus(external link).
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Sjögren’s syndrome
Pronounced show-grins
Key points about Sjögren’s syndrome
- Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that destroys the glands that produce tears and saliva, causing excessive dry eyes and dry mouth.
- Autoimmune means that the body attacks itself, without any real known cause or reason.
- There's no cure for Sjögren's syndrome but there are self-care measures and medications that can help to relieve your symptoms.
The main symptoms are dry eyes(external link) and a dry mouth(external link) but it can cause a wide range of symptoms when other parts of the body are affected.
Your doctor will diagnose Sjögren's based on ongoing symptoms. It can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms change over time. You may need to have blood tests(external link) and special eye and saliva tests.
There's no cure for Sjögren's syndrome but there are self-care measures and medications(external link) that can help to relieve your symptoms.
Resources
What is sjögren’s syndrome?(external link) Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation of NZ, 2021
Dry eyes diagnosis and treatment(external link) Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation of NZ
Dry mouth diagnosis and treatment(external link) Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation of NZ
Kruszka P, O'Brian JR. Diagnosis and treatment of Sjögren's syndrome.(external link) Am Fam Physician 2009 Mar 15;79(6):465-70.
Sjögren's syndrome(external link) Mayo Clinic, US, 2020
Brochures
What is sjögren’s syndrome?
Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation of NZ, 2021
Dry mouth diagnosis and treatment
Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation of NZ
Dry eyes diagnosis and treatment
Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation of NZ
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