What Is Sjögren’s-Related Salivary Disease?
Sjögren’s-related salivary disease is a complication of the chronic autoimmune disease, Sjögren’s syndrome. Multiple salivary glands can be impacted by this disease at the same time.
Causes of Sjögren’s-Related Salivary Disease
Sjögren’s syndrome attacks the salivary glands that produce tears and saliva, leading to dry eyes and a dry mouth, along with swelling.
Symptoms of Sjögren’s-Related Salivary Disease
Symptoms include:
- Daily, persistent dry eyes and mouth
- Swelling and pain on both sides of the mouth
- Salivary duct strictures
- Chronic swelling in the parotid gland
Exams and Tests for Sjögren’s-Related Salivary Disease
Many patients who are looking for a diagnosis for their dry eyes, dry mouth and swelling often fear it is lymphoma. Penn ENT’s Salivary Gland Center providers are experts in distinguishing between lymphoma and Sjögren’s-related salivary disease.
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order:
- An ultrasound
- An MRI sialogram
- An assessment of saliva flow and character after giving lemon juice
- Blood tests
- A biopsy (if lymphoma is suspected)
Treatment of Sjögren’s-Related Salivary Disease
Penn Medicine’s Sjögren’s Syndrome Program, part of Penn Rheumatology, is the only major treatment center for this disease within a 100-mile radius of Philadelphia and sees patients from all around the world. Penn Rheumatology works in collaboration with Penn ENT, Ophthalmology, and Oral Medicine to treat patients with Sjögren’s-related salivary disease.
Treatment options include:
- Adequate hydration, massage, heat and antibiotics
- Steroid or BOTOX injections
- Medications for dry mouth
- Sialendoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, that can remove obstructions or mucus plugs in the salivary glands without the side effects of traditional surgery. Penn ENT’s Salivary Gland Center is a national leader in this procedure and one of only two institutions in the Philadelphia region offering this cutting-edge technique.
Learn more about the treatment Penn ENT's Salivary Gland Center provides for salivary gland disorders
Outlook (Prognosis) for Sjögren’s-Related Salivary Disease
Outlook depends on how advanced the condition has become. In many cases, symptoms are relieved by steroid injections and sialendoscopy.
Penn Programs & Services for Sjögren’s-Related Salivary Disease
Penn Ear, Nose and Throat offers one of the region’s only dedicated salivary gland centers. Our specialists are nationally-recognized experts in diagnosing and treating salivary gland disorders.