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1. Who gets Sjögren's syndrome? Am I at risk?

   Women are nine times more likely to develop Sjögren's syndrome than men, and the disorder occurs sometimes in connection with another autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma. Women are at higher risk for developing Sjögren's after menopause. Other than those, there are no clear risk factors for predicting who will get Sjögren's.

2. How can I prevent the disease?

   Researchers have not found any special dietary guidelines or lifestyle modifications that can stave off the onset of Sjögren's. The best that can be done is to diagnose the disease as early as possible and start aggressive treatment to try to prevent worsening of symptoms.

3. Why is Sjögren's called an autoimmune disease?

   Ordinarily, the immune system produces antibodies that target such destructive material as viruses and bacteria. In the case of Sjögren's and other autoimmune diseases, autoantibodies—antibodies that turn against the part of the body they should protect—are produced. With Sjögren's, immune-system cells attack and destroy the glands that produce tears and saliva.

4. What are the symptoms of Sjögren's?

   The hallmark symptoms of Sjögren's are dry eyes and dry mouth. The disorder may also include skin, nose and vaginal dryness, as well as swollen salivary glands, joint pain and fatigue.

5. I have dry mouth and dry eyes. Do I really need to see a health care professional, or can I just use artificial tears and sip water?

   Early diagnosis and a systematic treatment plan are essential for slowing the disease's progress. Sjögren's syndrome can affect other parts of the body, such as blood vessels, the nervous system, muscles, skin and other organs. This can lead to muscle weakness, confusion and memory problems, dry skin, and feelings of numbness and tingling. Sjögren's syndrome can also affect the liver and pancreas. When it does, there is a greater chance for developing cancer of the lymph tissue. Although this is unusual, it is another reason why medical exams and continued follow-up are critical.

6. How is Sjögren's syndrome diagnosed?

   Once Sjögren's is suspected, blood tests for autoantibodies, tests to determine the degree of dry eye and mouth and sometimes lip biopsies can point to the presence of Sjögren's.

7. Is it safe to get pregnant if I have Sjögren's?

   A blood marker often found in women with Sjögren's syndrome can, very rarely, be associated with heart problems or neonatal lupus in newborn babies. If you have Sjögren's syndrome and plan to become pregnant, see your health care professional about testing for this marker and deciding what to do if the marker is present.

8. What treatments are available for Sjögren's?

   Artificial tears (such as Tears Naturale Free and Bion Tears) combat dry eyes, and saliva substitutes (such as Glandosane, Moi-Stir, and Salivart) combat dry mouth. Saliva substitutes have not been carefully studied, however, and they are only recommended when saliva secretions cannot be replaced by sips of water. Talk to your health care professional before using any of these products. Cyclosporine A (Restasis) eye drops are immunosuppressive and are also used to increase tear production. Unlike artificial tears, these are available only by prescription. Over-the-counter lubricating products are also available to address vaginal, skin and nasal dryness. Pilocarpine (Salagen) tablets may be prescribed to increase salivary flow. If symptoms include joint pain, muscle ache, fever and fatigue, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen may be prescribed or recommended. In a case of internal organ involvement, your health care professional may recommend more aggressive treatments, such as corticosteroids or immunomodulating agents.