SJÖGREN’S SYNDROME – AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Autoimmunity is a state in which the body’s immune system fails to distinguish between ‘self’ and ‘non-self’ and reacts by the formation of autoantibodies against one’s own tissue antigens. Sjögren syndrome is a chronic autoimmune exocrinopathy distinguished by lymphatic infiltration of lacrimal and salivary glands. Primary Sjögren’s syndrome is characterized by Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Xerostomia and Secondary Sjögren’s syndrome is characterized by RA, SLE, Scleroderma, Vasculitis (extraglandular manifestations). In Ayurveda we can understand primary Sjögren’s syndrome as Shuska Akshi Paka and secondary Sjögren’s syndrome as those disorders which can be included under the diseases like Amavata, Vatarakta, Kushta. In this article, attempt is made to understand the Sjögren syndrome and its treatment in Ayurveda by considering the concepts of Virudha ahara and Vyadhikshamatva.