Sjögren's syndrome
Autoimmune moisture disorder
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth.
It can occur alone or alongside other autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
The syndrome may also affect joints, thyroid, kidneys, and other organs.
Named for Swedish ophthalmologist Henrik Sjögren.
Insufficient saliva production
- chappedSkin rough from dryness
- artificial tearsManufactured eye moisture drops
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
- moisturelessHaving no wetness
Weariness from prolonged exertion
- painBodily or emotional distress
- joint painAche at skeletal junctures
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
- inflammationProtective tissue response
burning · stinging · irritation · soreness · tenderness · malaise · brain fog · numbness
Body attacks itself
- autoimmunityImmune system targets self
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- autoantibodiesImmunoglobulins targeting self-antigens
- antinuclearOpposed to atomic energy
B-cells · T-cells · lymphocytes · immunosuppression · rheumatology · immunology · systemic · rheumatoid arthritis
Of spit-producing glands
- lacrimalOf tear production
- parotidCheek-area saliva gland
- sublingualUnder the tongue
- exocrineSecreting externally via ducts
ductal · secretion · glandular · dysfunction · infiltrates · adenitis · lobular · biopsy
Joint disease specialist
- ophthalmologistEye disease physician
- serologicalOf antibody-based diagnostics
- imagingProducing visual representations
- ultrasoundInaudible high-frequency waves
dry mouth
Insufficient saliva production
- chappedSkin rough from dryness
- artificial tearsManufactured eye moisture drops
- dehydrationExcessive fluid loss
fatigue
Weariness from prolonged exertion
- painBodily or emotional distress
- joint painAche at skeletal junctures
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
inflammation · burning · stinging · irritation · soreness · tenderness · malaise · brain fog · numbness · tingling
autoimmune
Body attacks itself
- autoimmunityImmune system targets self
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- autoantibodiesImmunoglobulins targeting self-antigens
antinuclear · B-cells · T-cells · lymphocytes · immunosuppression · rheumatology · immunology · systemic · rheumatoid arthritis · lupus
salivary
Of spit-producing glands
- lacrimalOf tear production
- parotidCheek-area saliva gland
- sublingualUnder the tongue
exocrine · ductal · secretion · glandular · dysfunction · infiltrates · adenitis · lobular · biopsy · epithelial
rheumatologist
Joint disease specialist
- ophthalmologistEye disease physician
- serologicalOf antibody-based diagnostics
- imagingProducing visual representations