Information from Your Family Doctor

Sjögren Syndrome

Am Fam Physician. 2009 Mar 15;79(6):472.

See related article on Sjögren syndrome.

What is Sjögren syndrome?

Sjögren (SHOW-grin) syndrome is a disease that causes a dry mouth and dry eyes. It is an autoimmune disease, which happens when your body’s immune system attacks your own cells. Most people with Sjögren syndrome have very mild symptoms, but it may affect other organs, such as the bowel, joints, kidneys, lungs, nervous system, and skin.

Who gets it and why?

Sjögren syndrome is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. It usually affects women in their late 40s and early 50s. People with Sjögren syndrome may have other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Doctors don’t know what causes Sjögren syndrome.

How do I know if I have Sjögren syndrome?

Most people with Sjögren syndrome have dry eyes and a dry mouth for months. Your eyes may feel gritty or itchy. Your mouth will be dry, and you may have trouble swallowing, eating dry foods, or even speaking. You should see your doctor if you think you might have Sjögren syndrome.

How is it treated?

There are several artificial tear and saliva substitutes that may help your symptoms. Your doctor can prescribe other medicines that will help your body make more tears and saliva. Depending on your symptoms, you might also need medicines for your immune system.

Is there a cure?

No, Sjögren syndrome is a lifelong disease.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor

The Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation

Web site: http://www.sjogrens.org/

This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other health-related information is available from the AAFP online at http://familydoctor.org.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Copyright © 2009 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP. Contact afpserv@aafp.org for copyright questions and/or permission requests.