Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract

Sjögren's syndrome is a disease of the exocrine glands frequently defined as dry mouth and dry eyes. The exocrine system encompasses glands that are distributed throughout the body, and they produce variety of secretory products such as the digestive enzymes and bile, sweat, saliva, tears, cerumen, prostate and vaginal fluids, and the mucus secretions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Reduction and/or alteration in the exocrine secretions disrupt the normal physiology, shift the balance of the microbiota, and subject the body to variety of diseases. Although initial symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome may be subclinical and mild, Sjögren's syndrome is often associated with a significant number of serious and life-threatening comorbidities. This chapter reviews the prevalence and implications of the most frequently reported comorbidities in Sjögren's syndrome.