Invisible Me Highlight: Sjogrens Syndrome Sjogrens syndrome is a chronic disorder first described by Swedish eye doctor Henrick Sjogren which causes a lack of sufficient moisture production in specific glands in a persons body. Sjogrens syndrome is an autoimmune disease that occurs when a persons immune system attacks and destroys their moisture-producing glands. The glands affected include the persons tear and salivary glands, although their bowel, lungs and additional organs may sometimes also be affected. Autoimmune diseases such as Sjogrens syndrome involve production of antibodies that work against tissues in the persons body. In Sjogrens syndrome, the disease presents inflammation of the persons glands which produce tears, leading to a decrease in production of water for tears and a resulting dryness of the persons eyes. An inflammation of the persons glands which produce saliva leads to both dry mouth and lips. When gland inflammation resulting in both dry eyes and mouth that is not associated with another connective tissue disease occurs, it is referred to as, Primary Sjogrens Syndrome. When these symptoms are associated with a connective tissue disease such as systemic lupus reythematosus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis, it is referred to as, Secondary Sjogrens Syndrome. - See more at: disabled-world/health/autoimmunediseases/sjogrens-syndrome.php#sthash.Nbixdmv8.dpuf
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 13:59:49 +0000