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Last updated Thursday, December 13, 2007
Basics of sjogren's syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva. The hallmark symptoms of the disorder are dry mouth and dry eyes. It is named after the Swedish eye doctor, Dr. Henrik Sjogren, who first described it.
Sjogren's syndrome can occur in two ways: primary and secondary. Both forms affect roughly an equal number of people.
Primary Sjogren's syndrome occurs by itself and is not associated with other diseases.
Secondary Sjogren's syndrome occurs with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus ("lupus"), polymyositis, and some forms of scleroderma. Rheumatic diseases are conditions that affect joints, bones, muscles, skin, and sometimes other organs.
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