Overview

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that makes your glands produce less moisture than they should. It causes chronic (long-term) dryness throughout your body (especially your eyes and mouth). Sjögren’s syndrome is pronounced “SHOW-gren’s syndrome.”

If you have Sjögren’s syndrome, your immune system damages glands in your body that produce and control moisture, including in your:

  • Tear system.
  • Mouth (your salivary glands).
  • Nose.
  • Throat.
  • Digestive system.
  • Vagina.

Visit a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing new dryness in your eyes, mouth or anywhere else in your body — especially if you’re also experiencing other symptoms like pain.

Types of Sjögren’s syndrome

Healthcare providers classify Sjögren’s syndrome into two types:

  • Primary Sjögren’s syndrome develops on its own, and isn’t caused by another health condition.
  • Secondary Sjögren’s syndrome happens when another condition or issue causes (triggers) Sjögren’s syndrome.

How common is Sjögren’s syndrome?

Experts estimate that around 2 million people in the U.S. have Sjögren’s syndrome.

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