If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease, you may wonder if this condition can be inherited or if other factors play a role in its development. Sjögren’s disease (formerly called Sjögren’s syndrome) is a chronic autoimmune condition. Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In Sjögren’s, the immune system mainly targets the tear glands and salivary glands. Like many autoimmune diseases, Sjögren’s can occur in more than one family member.

Researchers have identified several genes that, when combined with a trigger like a virus or bacterial infection, may contribute to developing Sjögren’s. However, genetics is just part of the picture. Environmental factors and other autoimmune disorders can also play a role.

A diagnosis of Sjögren’s — or the possibility of developing the disease — can feel overwhelming, but understanding the role of genetics may help you feel more in control. Knowing your risk can empower you to seek testing and get treatment if needed, as well as take steps that may help prevent complications.

Is Sjögren’s Disease Hereditary?

Sjögren’s has genetic risk factors and can run in families, but it usually doesn’t follow a clear hereditary pattern linked to a single gene. That can feel confusing, especially if more than one person in your family has been diagnosed. Unlike some inherited conditions, Sjögren’s isn’t linked to a single gene that’s directly passed from parent to child. Instead, it’s classified as a genetically influenced autoimmune disease.

Having certain genes may increase your risk of Sjögren’s, but genes alone usually aren’t enough to cause the disease. Many people carry genetic risk factors and never develop symptoms. Researchers believe that other factors — such as infections or other immune system stressors — are usually needed to trigger the disease.

This helps explain why Sjögren’s can appear in families without following a clear inheritance pattern. One person may develop the condition while others with similar genetics never do. It also explains why people with a family history of autoimmune disease may develop an autoimmune condition other than Sjögren’s.

In short, genetics can raise your risk, but they don’t determine your future. Having a family member with Sjögren’s doesn’t mean you’ll get the disease — it just means your immune system may be more sensitive to certain triggers.

What Genes Play a Role in Sjögren’s Disease?

Scientists are learning how genes influence the development of Sjögren’s disease. They know that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes — key parts of the immune system — are linked to many autoimmune conditions, including Sjögren’s. Non-HLA genes are also associated with the disease, but the connection isn’t as strong.

The specific genes that raise the risk of Sjögren’s can differ among populations. Although there are some similarities, important differences exist between groups. This means it’s not always clear if the genes identified in genetic studies apply to every family. So far, genome-wide association studies have included people of European, Han Chinese, and Asian backgrounds.

Are There Other Risk Factors for Sjögren’s Disease?

Genetics accounts for only about 30 percent of the risk of Sjögren’s. Other factors, such as environment, gender, and other autoimmune conditions, also play roles. For example, females are nine times more likely to develop Sjögren’s than males, according to StatPearls, an online medical reference.

Scientists also believe that epigenetic factors, which affect how genes are turned on or off, contribute to Sjögren’s risk. Unlike genetic mutations (changes), epigenetic factors don’t alter genes but can affect how they work.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors that may play a role in Sjögren’s risk include:

• Viral and bacterial infections
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Stress
• Smoking

These factors may raise risk, but they don’t always cause Sjögren’s.

Researchers believe certain viruses are among the most significant epigenetic factors influencing the development of Sjögren’s. Viruses linked to the disease include:

• Epstein-Barr virus
• Hepatitis B virus
• Hepatitis C virus
• Coxsackie virus
• Retrovirus
• Human T-lymphotropic virus

Interestingly, Sjögren’s may develop long after the infection is gone.

Other Autoimmune Diseases

Having another autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, raises your risk of developing Sjögren’s disease. About half of people with these conditions also have Sjögren’s.

Sjögren’s is the second most common autoimmune disease, affecting 0.5 percent to 1 percent of the population. Researchers estimate that 400,000 to 3.1 million adults in the U.S. are living with the condition. Most people are diagnosed after age 40, but Sjögren’s can occur at any age.

Can Sjögren’s Disease Be Prevented?

There’s currently no known way to prevent Sjögren’s disease. If you have a family member with Sjögren’s and are concerned about your own risk, it can be helpful to know the signs and symptoms so you can get diagnosed and treated quickly.

Everyone experiences Sjögren’s differently, but the most common symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth. Joint pain, fatigue, or dry skin may also occur. Sjögren’s is a systemic disease, meaning it can affect the entire body, so you may also develop other symptoms.

If you’re diagnosed with Sjögren’s, you can take steps to prevent worsening symptoms and complications. Strategies include using a humidifier or nasal saline solution, drinking plenty of water, chewing sugar-free gum, and applying moisturizers to dry skin.

When Should You Talk to a Doctor About Family History?

If Sjögren’s disease runs in your family, you might wonder whether to mention this to your healthcare provider. In many cases, it’s especially important to bring up your family history if you have symptoms or other risk factors.

Consider talking to a doctor about your family history of Sjögren’s if you have ongoing symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, unexplained fatigue, or joint pain. Family history is also relevant if you’ve been diagnosed with another autoimmune disease, since these conditions often overlap.

If you’re planning a pregnancy, discussing family history may also be important. Even if you don’t have Sjögren’s symptoms, your provider can help determine if any screening or monitoring is recommended based on your health and family background.

For people without symptoms, routine testing usually isn’t necessary. However, sharing your family history helps your healthcare provider understand your risk and decide if any follow-up is needed — now or in the future.

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