Fast Facts About Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease which can occur as a primary condition with no other rheumatic disease or as a secondary condition along with another rheumatic condition.

In the early 1900s, Henrik Sjögren, a Swedish doctor described women with chronic arthritis symptoms who also had dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjogren's syndrome was named after Dr. Sjögren. About 50 percent of Sjogren's syndrome occurs alone. The other 50 percent of Sjogren's syndrome occurs with another condition, most likely:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Scleroderma
• Polymyositis
• Dermatomyositis

Sjogren's syndrome is one of the most prevalent autoimmune conditions and affects as many as 4 million Americans (90 percent are women). The average age of onset is upper 40s, but men, women, and children can develop Sjogren's at any age. Dry eyes and dry mouth characterize the syndrome, but there is more you should know. Learn the Fast Facts About Sjogren's Syndrome.

Related Resources:

• Guide to Dry Eyes
• Guide to Dry Mouth
• Guide to Sjogren's Syndrome
• Sjogren's Syndrome Screening Quiz

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