Disease Information

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. Your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s own cells and tissues.

In Sjögren’s syndrome, your immune system first targets the glands that make tears and saliva. But it can also damage other parts of your body, such as:  Joints, Thyroid, Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Skin, Nerves.

Sjögren’s syndrome typically occurs in people with one or more known risk factors, including:

Age. Sjögren’s syndrome is usually diagnosed in people older than 40.

Sex. Women are much more likely to have Sjögren’s syndrome.

Rheumatic disease. It’s common for people who have Sjögren’s syndrome to also have a rheumatic disease — such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.  (SOURCE: Mayo Clinic)