Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition, which means that instead of protecting the body from infection or illness, the immune system reacts abnormally and starts attacking healthy cells and tissue. In Sjögren’s syndrome, the immune system attacks the tear and saliva glands, and other secretary glands throughout the body. The reasons for this remains unknown, but research suggests that it’s triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental and, possibly, hormonal factors. Some people are thought to be more vulnerable to the syndrome when they’re born and that certain events, such an infection, can trigger the problems with the immune system.
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