Living with IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis
An immune-related condition with swollen tear and saliva glands, causing dry eyes and dry mouth.
Understanding IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis
The glands involved are the lacrimal (tear) glands, parotid glands, and submandibular glands. It is usually painless, causing dry mouth and eyes and swelling over the glands. It can start at any time in life. In some cases other glands or organs are affected.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Swollen tear glands
- Swollen parotid (cheek) glands
- Swollen glands under the jaw
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists, ear, nose, and throat specialists and eye disease specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The underlying cause of IgG4-related disease is still not known.
Also known as: chronic dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis; mikulicz disease; mikulicz syndrome; mikulicz' disease; mikulicz's disease; mikulicz's syndrome
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationIgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with IgG4-related dacryoadenitis and sialadenitis.
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