AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE CAUSING DRYNESS
Sjögren's Syndrome
A chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting the glands that produce tears and saliva, causing dry eyes and mouth, with systemic features in some patients. Managed with structured symptomatic and specialist care.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dry eyes and dry mouth. It is much more common in women, typically beginning in middle age. It can occur as a primary disease or in association with other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma. Beyond glandular involvement, Sjögren's can affect many other organs — causing joint pain, tiredness, skin dryness, lung, kidney, blood, nerve and rare blood-cancer complications. Typical features include persistent dry eyes (grittiness, burning, redness), dry mouth (difficulty swallowing, dental problems, recurrent thrush), swollen salivary glands, joint pain, tiredness and dry skin. Diagnosis is based on clinical features, specific blood tests including anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies, tests of tear and saliva production, and sometimes lip biopsy. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief, specific medical therapy for severe cases, dental and eye care and treatment of systemic features. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides initial evaluation and co-management with rheumatology at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Autoimmune attack on tear and salivary glands
- Strong female predominance
- Genetic predisposition with family clustering
- Hormonal factors
- Association with other autoimmune diseases
- Possible viral triggers in susceptible individuals
- Exact cause not fully understood
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Clinical features, anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies, tests of tear and saliva production, lip biopsy in selected cases
Primary Sjögren's · Secondary Sjögren's (with another autoimmune disease)
Symptomatic relief, specific medical therapy in severe cases and treatment of systemic features
Crucial due to high risk of cavities from dry mouth
Small but significant increased risk — needs monitoring
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad — co-managed with rheumatology
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Symptomatic Care with Specialist Co-Management
The most effective approach combines structured symptomatic care for dry eyes and mouth, intensive dental and eye care, specific medical therapy in moderate to severe cases under rheumatology care, and management of any systemic complications.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, examines for glandular and systemic features and arranges blood tests including autoantibodies and gland-function tests.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created in coordination with rheumatology, eye care and dentistry.
- 3
Medical Management
Symptomatic care for dry eyes and mouth, specific medical therapy for severe cases, dental and eye care and treatment of systemic features.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Regular follow-up with symptom assessment, dental and eye review and monitoring for systemic complications.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Symptomatic Care for Dry Eyes
Artificial tears, lubricating ointments, prescription eye drops, eye protection and humidifiers help manage dry eyes effectively.
Symptomatic Care for Dry Mouth
Frequent sips of water, saliva substitutes, sugar-free gum, humidifiers and specific medical therapy that stimulates saliva production all help.
Intensive Dental and Eye Care (Referral for dental / ophthalmology)
Regular dental visits, fluoride treatments and meticulous oral hygiene prevent severe dental disease; regular eye reviews protect against corneal damage.
Specific Medical Therapy for Moderate to Severe Cases (Referral for rheumatology)
Specific immune-modifying therapy is used for moderate to severe disease and systemic involvement under specialist care.
Management of Systemic Complications
Joint pain, skin, lung, kidney, nerve or blood involvement needs cause-specific therapy and may require specialist input.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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