Sjögren’s disease, previously called Sjögren’s syndrome, is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the body. Sjögren’s mainly affects glands that make moisture, leading to symptoms like dry eyes and dry mouth. Some people also develop swelling in the salivary glands or lymph nodes.

Along with dryness, many people with Sjögren’s experience swelling, most often in the salivary glands and lymph nodes. This swelling may show up from time to time or feel uncomfortable. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell whether it’s related to Sjögren’s or another health issue.

If you notice swollen glands, they could be connected to Sjögren’s disease, or they may be a sign of something else. Here’s what swollen glands may look and feel like, why they happen in Sjögren’s, and when it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor.

What Are Swollen Glands?

When it comes to Sjögren’s disease, the phrase “swollen glands” often refers to swelling in the lymph nodes and swelling in the salivary glands. Both swollen salivary glands and swollen lymph nodes can feel firm or tender to the touch. Some people notice mild aching, while others experience sharper discomfort.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

The lymph nodes are in different parts of the body, including the neck, groin, armpits, and under the chin. When your body fights off a virus or bacteria, these nodes can get bigger. That’s because they’re key players in the immune system response. The glands act as filters, helping trap the harmful infection before it spreads to the rest of the body.

Lymph nodes may swell a little (about the size of a pea) or become much larger, depending on the cause and how your body responds.

Swollen Salivary Glands

In Sjögren’s, about 50 percent of people develop swollen salivary glands. Swelling often occurs in the parotid glands (the largest salivary glands) or the submandibular glands (the second largest).

The submandibular glands are underneath the jaw, and the parotid glands are located along the sides of the face in front of the ears. Swollen parotid glands, called parotitis, can cause puffiness or fullness along the jawline or cheeks. This may make the face look rounder or uneven. Parotitis can affect one or both sides of the face.

What Causes Swollen Glands in Sjögren’s?

Swollen glands are a common symptom of Sjögren’s. The swelling may be caused by Sjögren’s itself or by another related condition.

Flare-Ups

When the immune system attacks the glands that make moisture, it can irritate them and make them swell. For many people with Sjögren’s, gland swelling isn’t constant. It may come and go, just like other symptoms. Swollen glands may happen around the same time as other symptoms, like joint pain and swelling.

Gland swelling often improves as a flare settles down, especially when Sjögren’s symptoms and any infections are treated.

Autoimmune Disease

Having one autoimmune condition can raise your risk of having another. If your Sjögren’s is well controlled, a sudden increase in symptoms (like swollen glands) may mean you should be checked for another autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Both can cause swollen lymph nodes.

Lymphoma

Compared to the general population, people with Sjögren’s are 44 times more likely to develop lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system (which the lymph nodes are part of). Lymphoma can cause swollen lymph nodes — especially in the armpit, neck, and groin.

As with any type of cancer, knowing the signs and getting an early diagnosis can lead to better outcomes. If a swollen gland feels hard, doesn’t move when pressed, or doesn’t go away, it should be checked by a doctor. Other signs of lymphoma include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Ongoing fevers
• Extreme fatigue

Since gland swelling is a common symptom of Sjögren’s, it can be difficult to know when this symptom is pointing to another cause. Ongoing or unusual swelling should always be checked by a healthcare provider.

What Are the Other Causes of Swollen Glands?

Although swollen lymph nodes and salivary glands can be related to Sjögren’s disease, the cause may be unrelated. Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes are caused by viral and bacterial infections, such as the common cold or the flu. Swollen lymph nodes signal that your immune system is working overtime to clear an infection.

Parotitis can be caused by infections such as mumps, but it can also have other causes. Swollen lymph nodes are most often caused by infections, including upper respiratory infections. It’s also possible to develop bacterial infections in the salivary glands that cause swelling. Dental issues, including teeth grinding, misalignment, or tooth decay, can contribute to parotitis as well.

Other causes of swollen salivary glands include:

• Dehydration
• Diabetes
• Eating disorders
• Reactions to certain medications (some antihistamines, antipsychotics, and antidepressants)
• Smoking or alcohol use
• Oral hygiene issues
• Salivary gland stone
• Salivary gland tumor
• Amyloidosis (a condition where abnormal proteins build up in the body)
• Other autoimmune diseases, like sarcoidosis or IgG4-related disease
• Infections like HIV

Other causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

• Skin infections
• Reactions to certain medications
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Thyroid conditions

How Do You Treat Swollen Glands?

Typically, all that’s needed to treat the swelling is to apply a warm compress or heating pad at home until your symptoms pass. You can also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to help ease pain from the swelling.

If the swelling continues with treatment, talk to your doctor. They may recommend doing other tests, like blood tests or throat cultures, to figure out what the underlying cause is so they can properly treat your symptoms.

When Should You See a Doctor?

It never hurts to check in with your healthcare provider if you’re worried about your symptoms. They can help you understand if you should have further testing or if your Sjögren’s treatment plan needs an adjustment.

Swelling that appears all of a sudden could be a concern. If your swollen glands are significantly painful or you have a fever, you may have an infection that needs treatment. Swelling that continues to grow, feels hard, or doesn’t resolve after two to four weeks should be discussed with your doctor.

Making a note of your symptoms can help you remember when the swelling started and how it has changed over time. Pay attention to where the swelling is, whether it changes in size, tenderness, or pain, and how long it lasts. These details can help you and your healthcare provider decide whether this is a typical flare or if another cause needs to be checked.

Join the Conversation

On MySjögren’sTeam, people share their experiences with Sjögren’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

How do swollen glands affect you? Let others know in the comments below.