Diseases

Sjogren’s Syndrome

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A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects especially older women, that is characterized by dryness of mucous membranes especially of the eyes and mouth and by infiltration of the affected tissues by lymphocytes, and that is often associated with rheumatoid arthritis — called also sicca syndrome

SYMPTOMS

Pain areas: in the joints or muscles
Sensory: abnormality of taste, loss of taste, or pins and needles
Mouth: dental cavities, dryness, or ulcers
Speech: hoarseness or impaired voice
Throat: difficulty swallowing or dryness
Also common: dry cough, dry eyes, dry skin, fatigue, joint stiffness, stiffness, swollen lymph nodes, or vaginal dryness

CAUSES

In sjogren's syndrome, your immune system attacks the glands that make tears and saliva (spit). The damage keeps these glands from working right and causes dryeyes and dry mouth. Doctors don't know the exact cause of sjögren's syndrome.