What is Sjögren’s disease?

About Sjögren’s disease:

• It is a chronic disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s moisture-producing glands.
• It is an under-recognised autoimmune condition that often remains undiagnosed for years.
• Prevalence: It is roughly 10 times more common in women than in men and usually manifests in the 30s and 40s, although it can appear at any age, even in children.
• Symptoms
  • The most common complaints are dry eyes and dry mouth, which can severely impact quality of life.
  • Dry eyes may feel gritty, especially on awakening and during prolonged screen use, while dry mouth can lead to difficulty in swallowing and a significantly increased risk of dental problems.
  • Sjögren’s can present with joint pain, fatigue, and swelling in the salivary glands, making it a complex, multisystem disease
• Treatment:
  • Treatment involves managing dryness with salivary stimulants and substitutes, and lifestyle adjustments. For systemic symptoms, immunosuppressive medications are used.
  • Patients need to avoid triggers like air conditioning and excessive screen time.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection and frequent use of gel-based lubricating drops can make a significant difference.

Q1: What is the salivary gland?

It is an exocrine gland that secretes saliva into the oral cavity. There are three major salivary glands: the parotid gland, sublingual gland, and submandibular gland (SMG).

News: Explained: What is Sjögren’s disease? How is it treated?