Sjogren's Syndrome | Symptoms & Causes

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.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.