Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by the abnormal production of extra antibodies in the blood that are directed against various tissues of the body.
This particular autoimmune illness features inflammation in certain glands of the body. Inflammation of the glands that produce tears (lacrimal glands) leads to decreased water production for tears and eye dryness. Inflammation of the glands that produce the saliva in the mouth (salivary glands, including the parotid glands) leads to dry mouth and dry lips.
The diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome involves detecting the features of dryness of the eyes and mouth. There is no cure for Sjogren’s syndrome. The treatment of patients with Sjogren’s syndrome is directed toward the particular areas of the body that are involved and complications, such as infection.