Sicca syndrome disrupts the function of exocrine glands, causing dry eyes and mouth. It can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. The immune system dysfunction is the underlying cause, and there is no cure, but treatment can help keep organs hydrated. Diagnosis is done through blood tests and measuring tear production.
Also known as Mikulicz and Sjogren’s syndrome, Sicca syndrome is a health problem in which the proper function of the exocrine glands is disrupted. As the condition worsens, sufferers begin to experience dry eyes and mouth. If not treated in time, the disease can interfere with the moisture content in various organs of the body, leading to a wide range of serious health problems.
The exocrine glands produce and release hormones in the gland ducts. This is in contrast to the endocrine glands, which release hormones into the bloodstream or target cells that are near the point of release. Sicca syndrome prevents the production and proper release of hormones in the ducle glands, effectively throwing off the normal balance between the hormones produced by the exocrine and endocrine glands.
The underlying cause of this syndrome is the improper function of the immune system. With this disorder, immune cells attack the cells of the exocrine glands. Slowly, the glands begin to fail in their function of providing adequate levels of hydration throughout the body. In its later stages, outward symptoms begin to appear which are mild at first, but keep getting worse. Various types of rheumatic disorders can trigger immune system dysfunction, or the syndrome can develop on its own for reasons not yet fully understood.
There are two outward symptoms that can indicate the presence of Sicca syndrome. The first is a noticeable decrease in tear production and overall eye moisture. The dry eyes that develop are often painful and over time can mean a loss of vision.
Along with dry eyes comes a noticeable lack of saliva production. As dry mouth increases, it begins to affect your ability to swallow, as well as cause damage to the tissues inside your mouth. The constant need to rehydrate a dry mouth goes from being a minor annoyance to a constant necessity.
However, this condition doesn’t just affect the eyes and mouth. Over time, the disease can cause the skin to dry out, making the top layer of skin dry and easily irritated. Internal organs are also at risk, as the continued decline of the exocrine glands makes it impossible to produce the moisture necessary for key organs such as the brain, liver, kidneys and pancreas to function properly. The lungs can also be negatively affected if the syndrome is left untreated.
Diagnosing Sicca syndrome can be done with a blood test. The test will measure the amount of antibodies found in the bloodstream. In particular, the level of antinuclear antibodies, ANA, is checked as part of the process. In addition to blood work, it is also possible to measure tear production and determine whether the level of production is normal or below what is considered a safe amount.
There is no cure for Sicca syndrome. For this reason, treatment focuses on fixing the failure of the exocrine glands and keeping the body’s organs adequately hydrated. Artificial tears are given daily to help with dry eyes, while prescription drugs such as pilocarpine or cevimeline are given to help increase saliva flow to a normal range. Various other medications can help protect internal organs from complications resulting from the syndrome.
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