The difference between primary Sjögren’s and secondary Sjögren’s?

Sjögren’s syndrome is usually classified as either primary or secondary. All people with Sjögren’s can experience severe discomfort and complications.

Primary Sjögren’s occurs by itself and causes early, gradual and progressive decrease in the gland function in the eyes and mouth. It can include a variety of extraglandular conditions involving dysfunction of the heart, lungs, liver, renal system, nervous system, muscles, joints, skin, vascular system and blood.

Secondary Sjogren's occurs in people who already have another autoimmune connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis,vasculitis or lupus. These people then develop dry eyes and/or dry mouth.


Further reading:

Similarities and differences between primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome Research report at PubmedNeurological Manifestations Of Sjögren's Syndrome by Steven Mandel, M.D.