What autoimmune condition is characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis?

The autoimmune condition characterized by dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis is Sjögren's syndrome. This disorder primarily affects the moisture-producing glands, leading to the hallmark symptoms of xerophthalmia (dry eyes) and xerostomia (dry mouth). The involvement of the salivary and lacrimal glands is what primarily distinguishes Sjögren's syndrome from other autoimmune conditions.

In addition to the dryness, many patients with Sjögren's syndrome also experience joint pain and inflammation, which can resemble the arthritis seen in other autoimmune diseases. Sjögren's can occur as a stand-alone condition or can be associated with other autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily characterized by joint inflammation and deformity rather than the specific dry eye and mouth symptoms. Lupus erythematosus may include a variety of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems, including joint pain, but it lacks the characteristic dryness associated with Sjögren's. Systemic sclerosis primarily affects the skin and internal organs and is not specifically known for the dry eye and dry mouth symptoms.

Therefore, the unique combination of dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis is pathognomonic for Sjögren's syndrome, firmly establishing it as the