secondary Sjogren's syndrome

Secondary Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks moisture-producing glands, like those in the eyes and mouth, leading to dryness. It occurs alongside other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. The immune system’s abnormal activity causes inflammation and damage to these glands, resulting in symptoms like dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and joint pain. Unlike primary Sjogren’s, which occurs alone, secondary Sjogren’s is linked to another autoimmune disorder. Proper diagnosis and treatment focus on managing symptoms and controlling immune system activity to prevent gland damage and improve quality of life.