4. Swollen Salivary glands
Sjogren’s disease is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body attacks itself as it would an intruding bacteria or virus. As a result, the body tends to produce excessive amounts of white blood cells and lymphocytes which tend to clog up ducts and glands, including the salivary glands. A patient with Sjogren’s disease may have a swollen chin and face that may look as if he or she has the mumps.
The lymph glands may also be severely swollen. The body “believes” that the salivary glands are the cause of the problem and may continue to send lymphocytes to that area, causing the swelling to continue. A physician may prescribe drugs that can keep the body from attacking itself. However, immunosuppressive drugs are only prescribed in extreme cases, since it can suppress the body’s immune system. Often, the swelling will subside on its own.