What is Sjögren's Syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease primarily affecting exocrine glands, especially the salivary and lacrimal glands. This condition is more common in middle-aged women and is characterized by dryness of the mouth and eyes, but it may also be accompanied by visceral damage and present with various clinical manifestations. The exact cause and pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome remain unclear, but it is generally believed to be associated with multiple factors including genetic predisposition, immune dysfunction, and viral infections. Sjögren's syndrome is classified into primary and secondary types. The primary form occurs in the absence of other autoimmune diseases, whereas the secondary form develops subsequent to other connective tissue diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Common symptoms include dryness of the oral mucosa, dry eyes, dry skin, joint pain, and dry cough, which can significantly impair the patient's quality of life. Patients should actively cooperate with their physicians in treatment and pay attention to lifestyle modifications and dietary adjustments to control the disease and improve their quality of life.