Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Gougerot-sjogren disease --> sjogrens syndrome

(Science: syndrome) An immunologic disorder characterised by progressive destruction of the exocrine glands (sweat glands, lacrimal glands, salivary glands).

symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth, persistent cough (dry airways) and lack of saliva. Approximately 30% also have rheumatoid arthritis. Kidney involvement (kidney dysfunction) is seen in 40% of patients.

sjogrens syndrome affects predominately females in their thirties to forties. The lungs, peripheral nerves, blood vessels (vasculitis) and thyroid may also be affected.