Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease. The disease occurs when the immune system damages the glands which produce and control the body’s moisture levels. Symptoms commonly associated with the condition include unusual and severe dryness of the eyes and mouth. A doctor or dentist can work with patients to diagnose and treat the disease. Most patients find success in using a combination of treatments which can effectively manage and control the symptoms.
The autoimmune disease Sjögren’s syndrome results in the glands which produce moisture, producing less than necessary. The result is chronic dryness of the body, which may be especially pronounced in the eyes and mouth. When patients have Sjögren’s syndrome, their immune system actually damages the glands in the body which are responsible for producing and controlling moisture. The disease can impact the following:
- Dry eyes and production of tears
- Mouth or salivary glands
- Nose
- Throat
- Digestive system
Patients who are experiencing any of the above symptoms for prolonged amounts of time should follow up with a healthcare provider. Patients should seek medical attention if there is new or unexplained dryness in the eyes, mouth and other parts of the body. This is especially important if the dryness is causing pain.
There are two different types of classifications of Sjögren’s syndrome which are summarized below:
1. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome: this form of the disease develops on its own and is not caused by another underlying health condition.
2. Secondary Sjögren’s syndrome: this form of the disease is triggered by another condition or issue.
An estimated 2 million people in the United States are affected by Sjögren’s syndrome.
Below is a summary of the most common symptoms associated with Sjögren’s syndrome. The most typical symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome is extreme dryness which may include the following:
- Dry or itchy eyes
- Xerostomia or a dry mouth
- Sores in the mouth or thickened saliva
- Dry skin
- Dry nose which may cause nosebleeds
- Dry throat or frequent coughing
Sjögren’s syndrome is known to cause chronic dryness, but can also cause the following symptoms:
- Joint or muscle pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Challenges with focus or brain fog
- Loss of taste
- Tooth loss or decay
- Rashes on the skin
- Nerve damage
- Heartburn or indigestion
- Sensitivity to light
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease which occurs when the immune system damages the body rather than protecting it. The specific cause of why the immune system attacks the glands with Sjögren’s syndrome is not known.
There is no known trigger or cause for primary Sjögren’s syndrome. Certain health conditions such as autoimmune diseases and viral infections are found to trigger secondary Sjögren’s syndrome. Viral infections that have been found to trigger secondary Sjögren’s syndrome include Hepatitis C, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Human T-lymphotropic virus 1, and COVID-19.
It is possible for any autoimmune disease to trigger secondary Sjögren’s syndrome. This may include Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, and Lupus.
While there is an association between Sjögren’s syndrome and the conditions mentioned above, the conditions do not guarantee the development of the disease. Patients with Sjögren’s syndrome are also at an increased risk for developing other types of autoimmune conditions.
If you are suffering from chronic dry mouth, reach out to your dentist.