Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome commonly co-occurs with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Sjogren's syndrome is progressive and chronic and typically worsens over time without intervention. Sjogren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disease affecting mucous membranes throughout the entire body, not merely a condition of dry eyes and dry mouth. A genetic polymorphism creates susceptibility to Sjogren's but does not guarantee the disease will develop; environmental triggers are required. Sjogren's syndrome can go into spontaneous remission when stress burden decreases and the immune system rebalances. Women are nine times more likely to develop Sjogren's syndrome than men. Sjogren's syndrome is associated with elevated risk of lymphoma.