Sjögren’s Syndrome is a disease that occurs as a result of the immune system attacking the body itself. In this disease, the immune system perceives the lacrimal and salivary glands as foreign to itself and produces antibodies against these target tissues for defense. The antibodies produced both cause damage to the tissues and damage the signals of the nerve cells coming to the glands, leading to a reduction in saliva and tear production.
The reason why the immune system behaves in this way in SS is still unknown. Some viral infections are thought to trigger this attack, but there is no strong evidence.
It occurs most frequently in women between the ages of 40-60. Only 1 out of 3 people diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome is male. It can be seen very rarely in childhood.
It is thought that genes in some people cause the body to be unable to defend itself well against certain infections. And people with these genes are thought to be more likely to develop Sjogren’s Syndrome. However, it is unusual for children to inherit the disease from their parents.
