Video - Sjogren syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune cells attack various moisture-producing exocrine glands, which normally pour their secretions into various ducts in the body, such as the salivary and the lacrimal glands. This results in the development of a dry mouth and dry eyes. Other symptoms can include dry skin, a chronic cough, vaginal dryness, numbness in the arms and legs, feeling tired, and muscle and joint pains. Treatment of Sjogren's syndrome typically involves medications to suppress the immune response, like corticosteroids; and also medications that increase the exocrine secretions like pilocarpine.