Sjögren syndrome (SS) is a systemic chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in exocrine organs. Most individuals with Sjögren syndrome present with sicca symptoms, such as xerophthalmia (dry eyes), xerostomia (dry mouth), and parotid gland enlargement. In addition, numerous extraglandular features may develop, such as arthralgia, arthritis, Raynaud phenomenon, myalgia, pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal disease, leukopenia, anemia, lymphadenopathy, neuropathy, vasculitis, renal tubular acidosis, and lymphoma.
Primary Sjögren syndrome occurs in the absence of another underlying rheumatic disorder, whereas secondary Sjögren syndrome is associated with another underlying rheumatic disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or scleroderma. Given the overlap of Sjögren syndrome with many other rheumatic disorders, it is sometimes difficult to determine whether a clinical manifestation is solely a consequence of Sjögren syndrome or is due to one of its overlapping disorders.
Importantly, classic clinical features of Sjögren syndrome may also be seen in viral infections with hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and human T-cell lymphotrophic virus (HTLV). Treatment for Sjögren syndrome is largely based on symptoms, but patients must be monitored carefully for the potential development of lymphoma.
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/332125-overviewInteresting- thanks. I have just read that a symptom of RA is dry eyes and dry mouth. So maybe what I am experiencing is just par for the course.Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects more women than men 9:1.1 It’s characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the lacrimal and salivary glands, which leads to increasingly drier eyes and mouth.25 These changes have a significant impact on patients’ daily activities and quality of life. When untreated, they may result in devastating oral and ocular complications and internal organ damage. Patients have sore or burning mouth, intolerance to acidic or spicy foods, abnormalities of taste, difficulty chewing and swallowing dry foods, difficulty with phonation (speaking), and difficulty wearing dentures.25 Ocular manifestations include foreign body sensation (gritty or sandy), dry eyes, burning or itching, redness, eye fatigue, photosensitivity, and blepharitis.25 In addition to dry eyes, mouth, ears and nose, there are multiple systemic abnormalities such as decreased esophageal motility, peripheral sensory neuropathy, arthralgias, and a greater chance of having non-Hodgkins’ lymphoma.
Besides lubrication for the eyes and mouth, there are cholinergic drugs such as pilocarpine (Salagen) to take orally and cyclosporine (Restasis) eye drops that can be taken to increase comfort.25