Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome. Learn the symptoms, causes and treatment. With Sjögren's syndrome, the immune response attacks and damages glands that produce secretions that pass to the outside of the body.Therefore, symptoms like dry eyes and a dry mouth are common. The two main symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth (3). American College of Rheumatology. Some have severe and chronic (long-term) symptoms. Sjögren’s syndrome mainly causes a dry mouth/eyes and can also cause joint pain and fatigue. The overall disease course of Sjogren’s syndrome can vary from very mild to fairly significant. Diagnosis and classification of Sjogren's syndrome. Patients also have a higher chance of developing lymphoma. Sjögren’s (“SHOW-grins”) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. The eyes of people with Sjogren’s might burn, itch, or feel gritty. It's a long-term condition that can affect your daily life, but there are treatments to help relieve the symptoms. Scientists aren't certain why some people develop Sjogren's syndrome. Sjogren's syndrome. Your mouth might feel like it's full of cotton, making it difficult to swallow or speak.Some But it can also damage other parts of your body, such as: Sjogren's syndrome typically occurs in people with one or more known risk factors, including: The most common complications of Sjogren's syndrome involve your eyes and mouth. 1. Prognosis of Sjogren’s Syndrome. Look at the eyes. There may be dilatation of the conjunctival vessels. Schedule your appointment now for safe in-person care. Sjögren's syndrome involves inflammation of glands and other tissues of the body. Thos… The exact cause of Sjögren’s syndrome is not known. Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic disease and may also lead to nervous system, lung, gynecologic, kidney and blood disease. When a person has Sjögren’s syndrome, their immune system is attacking the glands that keep the eyes, mouth and other body parts moist. Sjogren’s syndrome can be very tough to diagnose, and many patients suffer for years with symptoms that include dry eyes, dry mouth, persistent fatigue and chronic pain due to inflammation. Members receive exclusive benefits such as the Conquering Sjögren’s newsletter, an online product directory and much more! Sjögren's syndrome is characterized by dry mouth or dry eyes and fatigue. Symptoms often vary from patient to patient, including in severity While many patients experience dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain, Sjögren's can also cause dysfunction of organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, … The following are some of the common manifestations of Sjögren’s syndrome. 2. Sjogren’s syndrome involves inflammation of glands (in particular glands within the eye and mouth) and other issues of the body. Because the symptoms are somewhat vague, it can take years for Sjogren's syndrome to be diagnosed. As a result, people … https://www.uptodate.com/home. Become a member today to enjoy exclusive member benefits and be a part of conquering Sjögren's. Your symptoms, physical examination, specialized tests, and blood tests can help identify the condition. Your immune system mistakenly attacks your body's own cells and tissues. Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease of salivary and tear glands. Sjogren's syndrome. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease most common in older women, though it can affect people of all ages. Share news, articles, personal experience, support, encouragement, and discuss all things Sjogren. Your eyes might burn, itch or feel gritty — as if there's sand in them. Sjogren's syndrome is a condition that affects primarily women with a female to male ratio of about 24:1, meaning that about 95% of people who suffer from Sjogren's syndrome are women. The two main symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are: Some people with Sjogren's syndrome also have one or more of the following: Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. In Sjogren's syndrome, the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of your eyes and mouth are usually affected first — resulting in decreased tears and saliva. For some people the condition may just be a bit of a nuisance, while for others it can have a big impact on their daily life. Arthritis Foundation. Systemic symptoms of fatigue and joint pain Dry eyes and dry mouth may also be caused by other diseases and certain medications. Whether a patient is newly diagnosed or has been suffering from Sjögren's for years, the Sjögren's Foundation wants to help you continue living your life to the fullest. Sjögren's syndrome can be complicated by infections of the eyes, breathing passages, and mouth. speaking, reduction of smell and taste (all due to the dryness of the mucosa) Disappearance of tongue papillae (smooth red tongue) (possible sign of Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, celiac disease, niacin, vitamin B 12 or iron deficiency) Baer AN. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. http://www.sjogrens.org/home/about-sjogrens/symptoms. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. By nigel. More About Us. Primary symptoms are dryness (dry mouth and dry eyes ), pain and fatigue. Each person is affected differently. The chronic autoimmune disorder known as Sjogren's syndrome causes reduced tear and saliva production, leading to dry eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and vagina. Other symptoms can include joint pain, swollen salivary glands, skin rashes, dry skin, vaginal dryness, a persistent dry cough, … This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Look for corneal lesions and gently pull down the lower eyelid to assess the tear pool. This content does not have an Arabic version. Sjogren's syndrome. But its main symptoms are: dry eyes and a dry mouth. Others have symptoms that wax and wane in severity or may even go into remission. In the case of Sjogren’s syndrome, the immune system considers white blood cells enemies and begins to attack them. Dry eyes. Sjogren’s is a type of autoimmune disease and can branch out into a fairly serious health problem. While many patients experience dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain, Sjögren's can also cause dysfunction of organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system. 1. Other symptoms can include dry skin, vaginal dryness, a chronic cough, numbness in the arms and legs, feeling tired, muscle and joint pains, and thyroid problems. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Sjogren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is a disorder of your immune system identified by its two most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. The severity of the disease can vary widely, but the most common symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth. Symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome The more common symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome include: dry eyes (irritation, feeling gritty or itchy, burning) dry mouth (or difficulty chewing or swallowing). Accessed May 23, 2017. Symptom #2: Dry Mouth. 10 Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Symptoms usually first show up in adults over the age of 40, especially women. Other symptoms can include: 1. Make a donation. Coronavirus As a result, patients with Sjögren’s syndrome can present with a variety of symptoms All rights reserved. Treatment of dry mouth and other non-ocular sicca symptoms in Sjögren's syndrome. There may be blepharitis. You have three pairs of major salivary glands — parotid, sublingual and submandibular. Suite 170, Reston, VA 20191, Neurological problems, concentration/memory-loss, dysautonomia, headaches, Dry eyes, corneal ulcerations and infections, Dry nose, recurrent sinusitis, nosebleeds, Dry mouth, mouth sores, dental decay, difficulty with chewing, speech, taste and dentures, Difficulty swallowing, heartburn, reflux, esophagitis, Recurrent bronchitis, interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, Respiratory issues like shortness of breath, cough, Stomach upset, gastroparesis, autoimmune pancreatitis, Abnormal liver function tests, chronic active autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, Irritable bowel, autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility. Joint pain. The mouth may look dry and a wooden tongue depressor may stick to the tongue. This content does not have an English version. Individuals with secondary SS seem to have milder disease, as compared to those with primary SS. You may have just one or two, or you may have many. As with other autoimmune diseases, the severity of Sjögren’s varies from person to person. Accessed May 23, 2017. Baer AN. The symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome include: dry eyes; a dry mouth; dry skin; tiredness; vaginal dryness; muscle or joint pain; swelling between the jaw and ears (swollen salivary glands) Sjogren's syndrome. People who have Sjögren's syndrome may also have a rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid … There are many opportunities for you to learn more about Sjögren's, volunteer your time, or help us raise awareness for this common, yet little-known disease. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Accessed May 23, 2017. The condition is much more common in women. Sjögren's syndrome (SjS, SS) is a long-term autoimmune disease that affects the body's moisture-producing (lacrimal and salivary) glands, and often seriously affects other organs systems, such as the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. A place for people to discuss Sjögren's syndrome, a disorder where the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells that produce saliva and tears. You will feel more in control of your disease, decrease anxiety, and ensure you are getting the best possible medical care for you. Sjögren’s syndrome is a systemic condition, which means it can affect your whole body. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. 2. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. In Sjogren's syndrome, your immune system first targets the glands that make tears and saliva. Symptoms of Sjogren’s Symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome vary in type and intensity. Sjögren's (SHOW-grins) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that reduces the amount of tears in the eyes and saliva in the mouth. Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy that primarily affects the salivary glands but can also involve almost any other part of the gut. Sjögren’s can occur on its own (primary Sjögren’s syndrome), but it more commonly overlaps with a pre-existing autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (known as secondary Sjögren’s syndrome). The exact reason that the autoimmune reaction occurs is not clear. Each gland has its own tube (duct) leading from the gland to the mouth. Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation. Accessed May 23, 2017. The most distressing manifestation of SS is xerostomia secondary to destruction of the salivary glands. In fact, the Sjögren’s Syndrome Foundation states it takes nearly three years to receive a diagnosis. About 90% of Sjogren’s syndrome patients are female. Sjogren's syndrome: Can it cause recurrent UTIs? That said, not everyone experiencing the problem will suffer the entirety of the symptoms. Although you can develop Sjogren's syndrome at any age, most people are older than 40 at the time of diagnosis. Your doctor or dentist may observe Swollen salivary glands — particularly the set located behind your jaw and in front of your ears. Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease. Biologic agents have not been shown to improve the signs and symptoms of SS in studies thus far. There may be evid… https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Sjogrens-Syndrome. Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky. http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/sjogrens-syndrome/. There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome. Another one of the earliest and easiest symptoms to detect is dryness of the mouth. Mayo Clinic facts about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Our COVID-19 patient and visitor guidelines, plus trusted health information, Mayo Clinic Health System patient vaccination updates, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition. For some people, joint pain may be the first sign of Sjogren’s, even before dry eye … There are many conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Most patients with Sjögren's syndrome are female. The condition often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Along with symptoms of extensive dryness, other serious complications include profound fatigue, chronic pain, major organ involvement, neuropathies, and lymphomas. Medical Expert. Symptoms often vary from patient to patient, including in severity. Dry eyes. The main symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome are dry eyes and a dry mouth, but it can also cause several other problems. The two most common symptoms are dry eyes and a dry mouth. FREE book offer — Mayo Clinic Health Letter, Time running out - 40% off Online Mayo Clinic Diet ends soon. Many patients have a mild disease that only affects the eyes and mouth. The lack of … Certain genes put people at higher risk of the disorder, but it appears that a triggering mechanism — such as infection with a particular virus or strain of bacteria — is also necessary. Dry mouth. Article Sources. Symptoms vary from person to person but may include: Become an active participant in treatment decisions and an informed consumer. Accessed May 23, 2017. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The symptoms of Sjogren's can be different from person to person. Sjogren’s Syndrome Facts. Some individuals have Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. 10701 Parkridge Blvd. Sjögrens syndrome can affect the whole body. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/Sjogrens_Syndrome/sjogrens_syndrome_ff.asp. This immune system disorder affects mostly middle-aged individuals. Believe me, there are A LOTmore but these are some of the common ones.