Nine out of ten individuals with Sjogren's are women. In Sjogren's syndrome, the body's immune system mistakes its own moisture producing glands for foreign invaders. The immune system then attacks and destroys these glands causing the hallmark symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth. Like lupus, Sjogren's can also damage vital organs of the body with symptoms that may plateau, worsen, or go into remission. Some people may only experience the mild symptoms of dry eyes and mouth, while others go through cycles of good health followed by severe disease.
Many patients are able to treat problems symptomatically.
Others are forced to cope with blurred vision, constant eye discomfort, recurrent mouth infections, swollen parotid glands, hoarseness and difficulty in swallowing and eating. In addition to affecting the eyes and mouth, Sjogren's syndrome can cause skin, nose and vaginal dryness and can affect other organs of the body, including kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas and brain.