Knowra Sjögren's disease Sjögren's disease Sjögren's disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which immune activity damages moisture-producing glands, commonly causing dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also affect organs beyond the glands.
Exocrine gland : A gland that releases its products through ducts onto a surface or into a body cavity. Tear and saliva glands are exocrine glands and are the main targets of Sjögren's disease.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca : Inflammation and damage of the eye surface associated with inadequate tear production. It describes the dry-eye disease that commonly results from lacrimal gland dysfunction.
Extraglandular manifestations of Sjögren's disease : Effects of Sjögren's disease outside moisture-producing glands, including involvement of skin, lungs, kidneys, nerves, or joints. These manifestations explain why the disease can require assessment beyond eye and mouth symptoms.
Secondary Sjögren's syndrome : A historical term for Sjögren's disease occurring alongside another systemic autoimmune disease. It contrasts with Sjögren's occurring without another defined systemic autoimmune disease; current usage often favors associated Sjögren's disease.
Sjögren's disease pathogenesis : The biological processes through which immune dysfunction produces gland damage and systemic disease in Sjögren's disease. Researchers continue to investigate how genetic, environmental, and immune factors combine to initiate disease.
Lymphocytic sialadenitis : Inflammation of salivary tissue characterized by infiltration with lymphocytes. This glandular inflammation is a characteristic tissue finding in Sjögren's disease.
Xerostomia : The subjective feeling of dry mouth, which can have several causes. It is a common symptom when Sjögren's disease reduces saliva production.
Interstitial lung disease : A group of disorders causing inflammation or scarring in the tissue surrounding lung air sacs. It is a potentially serious pulmonary complication of Sjögren's disease.
Sicca syndrome : A combination of dry eyes and dry mouth that can result from autoimmune disease, medicines, aging, or other causes. Dryness alone does not establish Sjögren's disease, which requires evidence supporting an autoimmune cause.
Epstein–Barr virus : A widespread herpesvirus that persists for life after infection and is associated with several diseases. Viral triggers, including Epstein–Barr virus, have been investigated but are not established as a single cause.
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