Common Name(s):
Dry Eye and Dry Mouth Disease
Alternative Names & Classifications:
Autoimmune Exocrinopathy (CLINICAL), Sjogren Syndrome (CLINICAL)
Description
Lymphocytic infiltrates aggressively attack and slowly destroy the lacrimal and salivary glands, severely disrupting the production of tears and saliva. It primarily strikes women over the age of forty and frequently occurs alongside other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The resulting profound dryness heavily impacts ocular and oral health, predisposing patients to severe infections.