Sjögren's Syndrome

What is Sjögren's syndrome?

Sjögren's (pronounced show-grins) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the system that normally fights infection and disease in the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. In Sjögren's syndrome, the immune system attacks and destroys the glands that make tears and saliva. The main symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome are:

• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Fatigue

It can also cause dryness in the skin, nose, sinuses, throat, ears, and in females, the vagina. The disorder can affect the nervous system, muscles, joints, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, liver, and pancreas.

Sjögren's syndrome is a long-lasting disorder that affects females more often than men. It is often diagnosed in females during middle age or after menopause, but it can affect anyone at any age (including children).

Currently, there is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome. Treatment may include drugs to reduce the effect on the immune system and relieve other symptoms.

How can I or my loved one improve care for someone with Sjögren's syndrome?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about Sjögren's syndrome and related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with Sjögren's syndrome at Clinicaltrials.gov.