How does Sjögrens syndrome develop?
When a person is inflicted with Sjögren’s syndrome, the fluid-secreting glands, including the salivary glands in the mouth and the tear glands in the eyes, are infiltrated by white blood cells. The glands become injured and dry mouth and dry eyes result. The mucous membranes that line the gastrointestinal tract, windpipe (trachea), vulva and vagina also can be dried out by this condition. Sjögren’s syndrome can severely damage the cornea or cause other types of permanent eye damage. Lack of saliva in the mouth can dull taste and smell, make eating difficult, cause painful swallowing painful and become a catalyst for cavities. The condition can affect all the major organs as well as the spleen and lymph nodes. If the trachea and lungs become dry, the condition can lead to pneumonia. Pericarditis, the inflammation of the protective sac around the heart, also can develop. What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome? Sjögren’s syndrome shares symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic
