Learning you have Sjögren’s disease (formerly called Sjögren’s syndrome) can bring on a mix of emotions. For some people, it’s a relief to finally have answers after years of confusing symptoms and medical tests. For others, the diagnosis marks the beginning of understanding their health condition and how to manage it.

If you’re ready to learn more about Sjögren’s disease, keep reading. This article explains what Sjögren’s is, what symptoms to watch for, and what treatment options are available.

What Is Sjögren’s Disease?

Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks glands that provide moisture to the body. The most commonly affected glands include the lacrimal and salivary glands, which make tears for your eyes and saliva for your mouth. About 50 percent of people with Sjögren’s also develop problems in other parts of the body, such as the joints, nerves, skin, lungs, or kidneys.

There are two main types of Sjögren’s disease. Primary Sjögren’s develops on its own, and associated Sjögren’s occurs alongside or is triggered by another condition.

About half of people with Sjögren’s have at least one other autoimmune disease. Common overlapping autoimmune conditions include:

• Psoriatic arthritis — Causes joint pain, stiffness, and rashes
• Rheumatoid arthritis — Affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Autoimmune thyroid diseases — Involve the thyroid gland, which influences weight, energy levels, and other body functions
• Scleroderma — Causes body tissues to harden or tighten, sometimes affecting organs like the heart, lungs, or kidneys
• Lupus — Can lead to body-wide inflammation, pain, fatigue, and swelling

Symptoms of Sjögren’s Disease

Sjögren’s disease can affect many parts of the body. Dryness is one of the most common symptoms and can affect the mouth, eyes, skin, vagina, nose, and throat.

Inflammation from Sjögren’s may also cause other symptoms, such as:

• Muscle pain or weakness
• Joint aches, stiffness, or swelling
• Numbness, tingling, or shooting nerve pain
• Brain fog
• Headaches or migraine
• Hair loss
• Brittle or discolored nails
• Digestion issues
• Difficulty having sex
• Circulation problems
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Trouble with balance
• Skin changes or lesions
• Swollen legs
• Puffy face

Sjögren’s symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some people have only a few mild symptoms, while others experience more severe problems. For some, dryness is the main concern, whereas different symptoms may appear first for other people with Sjögren’s.

Symptoms may also be affected by other health conditions. For example, you might have dry eyes and mouth from Sjögren’s, but joint pain may be related to rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Having more than one condition can make symptoms hard to sort out.

Complications

Some symptoms of Sjögren’s disease can lead to additional health issues. While most people don’t develop severe complications, problems caused by dry eyes and mouth can affect quality of life.

Eye infections, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and eye damage are common with Sjögren’s. Severe dryness can sometimes lead to eye ulcers, which may threaten vision if untreated. Dry mouth increases the risk of mouth issues such as cavities and fungal (yeast) infections, as well as frequent mouth sores and discomfort.

Less common complications include:

• Lung inflammation — Lung infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, can occur. In rare cases, lung tissue may become thickened and scarred.
• Kidney dysfunction — Some people develop kidney stones or issues affecting the kidney’s ability to filter blood and make urine. Kidney problems can also affect salt levels in the body.
• Nerve damage — About 5 percent to 10 percent of people with Sjögren’s have peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet).
• Liver damage — Some people develop hepatitis (an inflamed liver) or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).

People with Sjögren’s have a higher risk of lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph glands (small filters that help maintain the immune system). Although the risk is increased, lymphoma is still rare.

Risk Factors for Sjögren’s Disease

Experts don’t yet know what causes Sjögren’s, but factors that may increase risk include your:

• Sex — About 9 in 10 people with Sjögren’s are female, according to Cleveland Clinic.
• Age — Most people are diagnosed after age 40.
• Genetics — People who have a parent with Sjögren’s are more likely to be diagnosed.
• Medical history — Many people with Sjögren’s have another autoimmune disease.

Diagnosis of Sjögren’s Disease

Diagnosing Sjögren’s can be challenging because the symptoms often overlap with those of other conditions. You can help your doctor by preparing for upcoming appointments — write down your symptoms and when they started, list all your medications and supplements, and be ready to provide details about your family’s medical history and your own.

If your specialist — usually a rheumatologist — suspects Sjögren’s disease, they may refer you to other doctors, such as an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or dentist, for further testing. Common tests include:

• Blood tests — About 70 percent of people with Sjögren’s disease have an antibody (a protein made by the immune system) called Sjögren’s syndrome antigen A (SSA), and 40 percent have SSB.
• Dental tests — Dentists may measure how much saliva you produce or take a biopsy (small sample) of your salivary gland to check for inflammation.
• Eye tests — Ophthalmologists may measure your tear production and examine the surface of your eye for dryness.

Treatment for Sjögren’s Disease

Sjögren’s disease affects everyone differently, so treatment is tailored to your specific symptoms and depends on which parts of your body are affected. No single treatment works best for everyone.

Managing Sjögren’s may involve lifestyle changes, medications, procedures, or a combination of approaches. Your doctor may recommend treatment options such as:

• Lifestyle adjustments, such as drinking water throughout the day, using over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, or running a humidifier, for mild symptoms
• Medications that help increase saliva production
• Prescription eye drops to improve eye dryness
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for joint pain
• Corticosteroids for severe flare-ups
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for more widespread effects
• Biologic DMARDs for severe, organ-threatening symptoms
• Punctal occlusion, a minor procedure to seal tear ducts so tears stay on the eyes longer

Your doctor may also prescribe treatments for common complications, such as antifungal medications for yeast infections or special dental care products to help prevent cavities.

Although some OTC products and home remedies may help, talk with your doctor before trying a new strategy. They can recommend the most effective options for your symptoms and monitor how well treatments are working — especially if you have other autoimmune diseases.

Outlook With Sjögren’s Disease

Most people with Sjögren’s disease have the same life expectancy as people without the condition. By working closely with your doctor to find the right treatment plan, you can learn how to manage your symptoms and potentially prevent them from getting worse.

If you notice any new or changing symptoms, let your doctor know. Prompt communication can help you and your care team adjust your treatment and stay on top of your health.

Join the Conversation

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

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