Sjögren s syndrome symptoms causes complications and its impact on your life

Sjögren's Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the glands responsible for producing tears and saliva. This leads to persistent dryness in the eyes and mouth. Although dry eyes and mouth are the most common symptoms, the condition can also affect other parts of the body, including the joints, lungs, and kidneys.The primary cause of the disease is a malfunction in the immune system, where it mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells instead of protecting them.If you’re not familiar with the full details of Sjögren’s Syndrome, its symptoms, causes, risks, and possible complications, this article from Daleely Medical is your comprehensive guide to understanding the condition in a clear and simple way. We’ll also cover the diagnostic methods and treatment options that can help improve your quality of life.

What is Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva. The result? Severe dryness in the eyes and mouth, causing constant discomfort. But that’s not all — the disease can also affect other organs in the body, such as the joints, thyroid gland, liver, kidneys, lungs, skin, and nerves.

Is Sjögren’s Syndrome a single disease or are there different types?
There are two main types of Sjögren’s Syndrome:

Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: When it occurs on its own without any other autoimmune condition.
Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome: When it develops alongside another autoimmune disease like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Who is most at risk of developing Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Women are significantly more likely to develop the condition, especially between the ages of 40 and 60.
However, Sjögren’s Syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.

What are the most common symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Persistent dryness in the eyes and mouth
Joint pain and swelling
Chronic fatigue without a clear reason
Swelling of the salivary glands in some cases

How is the condition diagnosed?

A thorough clinical examination by a doctor
Blood tests to detect specific autoantibodies
In some cases, a small biopsy (sample) from the salivary glands is taken for analysis

Is There a Cure for Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Currently, there is no complete cure for Sjögren’s Syndrome.
However, there are medications that help relieve the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

6. Can Sjögren’s Syndrome Affect Other Organs?
Yes, it can affect various organs such as the lungs, kidneys, nerves, and joints. That’s why regular medical follow-up is very important.

7. Is Sjögren’s Syndrome Hereditary?
There are genetic factors that may increase the risk, but the disease doesn’t necessarily pass directly from parents to children.

8. Can I Live a Normal Life with Sjögren’s Syndrome?
Absolutely. With proper treatment and regular check-ups, you can live a relatively normal life and keep the symptoms under control.

9. Is Sjögren’s Syndrome Contagious?
No, Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease and is not contagious — it doesn’t spread from one person to another.

10. Why Does the Disease Cause Dry Eyes and Mouth?
The immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva, reducing fluid production and leading to dryness.

11. Does Sjögren’s Syndrome Affect Pregnancy?
Generally, it doesn’t affect the ability to conceive. However, it's very important to monitor your condition with your doctor during pregnancy to avoid potential health issues.

12. How Can I Relieve Eye Dryness?
You can use moisturizing eye drops regularly, keep your eyes clean, and avoid dry or polluted environments to reduce dryness and inflammation.

13. Are There Medications for Sjögren’s Syndrome?
There is no cure, but medications can help manage symptoms. These include artificial tears, saliva substitutes, and in some cases, drugs to reduce inflammation and pain.

14. Does Sjögren’s Syndrome Cause Extreme Fatigue?
Yes, chronic fatigue is one of the most common symptoms and can greatly affect your daily activities, so it's important to manage it carefully.

15. Can the Disease Progress Over Time?
Yes, symptoms may change or worsen over time. That’s why regular follow-up with your doctor is essential for controlling the condition.

16. Do I Need to Change My Lifestyle After Diagnosis?
You may need to make some simple changes like drinking more water, avoiding smoking, and taking good care of your mouth and eyes. These steps can help ease symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Who Is Most at Risk for Developing Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Women
Women are about nine times more likely to develop Sjögren’s Syndrome than men, especially between puberty and menopause.

People Aged 40–60
This age group is the most commonly affected, making them more vulnerable to developing the condition.

Those with a Family History of Autoimmune Diseases
If someone in your family has an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or even Sjögren’s, your risk may be higher.

People with Other Autoimmune Diseases
Individuals with other autoimmune disorders are at greater risk of developing Sjögren’s Syndrome.

People Exposed to Certain Viruses
Viruses like Epstein-Barr and hepatitis viruses may trigger the condition, especially in those with a genetic predisposition.

Does Sjögren’s Syndrome Affect Pregnancy?

Generally, Sjögren’s Syndrome doesn’t interfere with fertility. However, women with the condition may have a slightly higher risk of certain pregnancy complications — especially if specific autoantibodies are present in their blood.

These antibodies can, in rare cases, affect the baby and cause:

Irregular heartbeat in the fetus
A temporary skin rash in newborns (usually disappears within weeks)

The Solution?
Ongoing monitoring by both an obstetrician and an immunologist ensures a safe pregnancy and reduces the risk of complications — making your experience similar to that of any healthy pregnant woman.

Is Sjögren’s Syndrome a serious disease?

Usually, no. Sjögren’s Syndrome is not considered a life-threatening disease, and many people live with it for years without major complications.

However, to avoid any risks or worsening symptoms, it's important to monitor your condition regularly and follow a few key guidelines.

Tips for Living Safely with Sjögren’s Syndrome:

Visit your eye doctor and dentist regularly to catch any changes early.
Check yourself often for any swollen lymph nodes (like in the neck or underarms).
Brush your teeth daily, use dental floss, and choose fluoride toothpaste.
Use eye drops or artificial tears as prescribed by your doctor.
Use a humidifier at home to reduce dryness in your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Stages of Sjögren’s Syndrome Progression

1. Early Stage: Onset of Symptoms
The immune system starts attacking the salivary and tear glands, leading to:

Mild dryness in the eyes and mouth.
Symptoms may come and go, and can be vague or unnoticed.

2. Middle Stage: Worsening Symptoms
Over time:

Dryness becomes more noticeable.
You may feel joint pain or swelling in the salivary glands.
Chronic fatigue can appear.
Infections in the eyes or mouth may occur due to reduced natural moisture.

3. Advanced Stage: Organ Involvement
The disease may start affecting internal organs such as:

Lungs: breathing problems.
Kidneys: changes in urine or kidney function.
Nervous system: numbness or weakness.
Joints: pain and stiffness.

4. Severe Stage: Serious Complications
In rare cases, more serious issues may arise like:

Eye ulcers.
Frequent infections.
Increased risk of lymphoma (a type of cancer in the lymph nodes).

Regular check-ups and proper treatment greatly reduce the risk of reaching this advanced stage.

Types of Sjögren’s Syndrome and Their Symptoms

1. Classic Form (Glandular Sjögren’s)
This is the most common type and usually the first to appear.
Symptoms:

Severe dry eyes (feels like burning or sand in the eye).
Dry mouth, difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Pain or swelling under the jaw or behind the ears.

This form mainly affects tear and salivary glands.

2. Systemic (Extraglandular) Form
This type affects other organs beyond the glands.
Symptoms depend on the organ involved:

Joints: pain and stiffness, similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
Lungs: shortness of breath due to inflammation or fibrosis.
Kidneys: abnormal kidney function or inflammation.
Nervous system: numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
Skin: rashes or sensitivity.
Blood vessels: inflammation or red/purple spots.

3. Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Occurs when Sjögren’s develops alongside another autoimmune disease.
Common associated diseases:

Rheumatoid arthritis.
Lupus (SLE).
Inflammatory myopathies.

In this case, symptoms of both Sjögren’s and the other condition appear together.

4. Acute or Flare-Up Form
Some people experience sudden, intense flare-ups from time to time.
Symptoms:

Fever.
Extreme fatigue.
Sudden swelling or pain in the glands.
Sharp body aches.

These episodes require rest and close medical supervision.

5. Mild or Latent Form
Some cases have no noticeable symptoms and are discovered by accident.
How?
Through blood tests or imaging that show signs of the disease.
The glands may be affected without causing severe dryness or discomfort.

6. Lymphoma-Associated Form
In rare cases, Sjögren’s can lead to lymphoma (a cancer in the lymph nodes), especially when immune system activity stays high for long periods.
Warning signs may include:

Unusual swelling of lymph nodes.
Unexplained weight loss.
Night sweats or persistent fever.

Regular monitoring helps detect such complications early, and early diagnosis makes a big difference.

How Is Sjögren's Syndrome Diagnosed?

To accurately diagnose Sjögren's Syndrome, the doctor must first rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. This is done through a combination of tests and evaluations. Let’s break down the main diagnostic methods:

1. Blood Tests

These help detect inflammation or issues with the immune system. Common things the doctor looks for include:

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated levels indicate inflammation in the body.
Liver and kidney function: Sjögren’s may affect these organs.
Blood cell counts: There may be a decrease in red or white blood cells.
Autoantibodies: Such as Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB. Their presence is a strong indicator of Sjögren’s Syndrome.

2. Eye Tests

Since the condition affects tear-producing glands, your doctor will assess your eyes through:

Schirmer’s Test: A small strip of paper is placed under your lower eyelid to measure tear production.
Slit-lamp examination: A special magnifying device and dye drops are used to examine the surface of your eyes for dryness or corneal damage.

3. Lip Biopsy

If there's strong suspicion of Sjögren’s, the doctor may take a small tissue sample from the inner lip to check for inflammation or changes in the salivary glands under a microscope.

4. Imaging Tests

Salivary glands can also be examined using imaging to evaluate their function:

Sialogram: A contrast dye is injected into the salivary glands to track saliva flow.
Salivary gland scintigraphy: A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the vein to track how well the glands are working.

Symptoms of Sjögren’s Syndrome: It’s More Than Just Dry Eyes and Mouth!

Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune condition that affects many parts of the body, but dryness—especially in the eyes and mouth—is one of the most common symptoms. This happens because the immune system attacks the glands that produce moisture.

Here are the main symptoms in detail:

1. Dry Eyes

One of the most common signs, including:

Burning or itching sensation.
Feeling like there's sand or grit in the eye.
Persistent redness.
Increased sensitivity to light.

2. Dry Mouth

The mouth feels very dry, which can lead to:

Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Dryness even after drinking water.
Frequent tooth decay or gum infections.
Changes or loss of taste.

3. Swollen Salivary Glands

Especially those under the jaw or near the ears:

Noticeable swelling or tenderness.
May feel like a lump or sudden puffiness.

4. Joint Pain and Stiffness

Sjögren’s can affect joints, leading to:

Pain in knees, shoulders, or fingers.
Morning stiffness that eases later in the day.

5. Chronic Fatigue

Constant tiredness even without physical effort.

Difficulty concentrating or completing daily tasks.

6. Dry Nose and Throat

Ongoing dryness in nasal passages and throat.

Sometimes causes mild breathing issues or discomfort.

7. Digestive Problems

Gastrointestinal dryness may cause:

Heartburn or acid reflux.
Bloating or stomach discomfort.

8. Voice Changes

Due to throat dryness:

Hoarseness or rough voice.
Loss of voice after extended talking.

9. Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lumps under the jaw, neck, or armpits.

10. Dry Skin and Skin Issues

Very dry or flaky skin.
Possible rashes or skin sensitivity.

11. Nerve Issues

Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
Muscle weakness in more advanced cases.

12. Nail and Hair Changes

Brittle nails that break easily.
Mild hair thinning or loss.

Treatment for Sjögren’s Syndrome: How to Manage It

While there’s currently no cure for Sjögren’s Syndrome, many treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. The main goal is to relieve dryness and prevent complications.

First: Simple Home Tips

If symptoms are mild, everyday habits can make a big difference:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Use artificial tears or eye drops: Available over-the-counter to soothe dryness.
Suck on ice chips or chew sugar-free gum: Helps stimulate saliva production and ease dry mouth.
Use a humidifier at home, especially in winter or air-conditioned environments, to reduce dryness in the air.

Medications Your Doctor May Prescribe

In cases of severe dryness or when symptoms start affecting your daily life, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:

Eye drops to reduce dryness and inflammation
Medical eye drops help relieve dryness and inflammation in the eyes.
In some cases, the doctor may prescribe drops that contain cyclosporine or similar medications to reduce inflammation.
Medications to stimulate saliva and tear production
Some medications help stimulate the glands to produce more saliva or tears, which helps relieve the feeling of dryness.
Antifungal medications
Dry mouth can lead to fungal infections like candidiasis, which can be treated with antifungal medications.
Joint pain or anti-inflammatory medications
This includes painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen.
In advanced cases, medications used for rheumatoid arthritis may be prescribed if the joints are affected.
Immunosuppressive medications
When the immune system is overactive, the doctor might prescribe medications that suppress the immune response, reducing the body’s attack on its own tissues.
These drugs must be used under close medical supervision and regular follow-up.

Can Sjögren’s Syndrome Be Treated with Surgery?

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the glands that produce fluids like saliva and tears. Therefore, there’s no surgical cure for the condition, since the problem isn’t with a specific organ that can be removed or repaired.
However, surgery can be helpful in managing certain complications that may arise from the syndrome.

When Can Surgery Be Needed for Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Blocked tear or salivary ducts
If the ducts responsible for transporting tears or saliva become blocked due to inflammation, a minor surgical procedure might be needed to reopen them.
Removal of enlarged or tumor-affected salivary glands
In rare cases, the glands may become enlarged or develop benign tumors, which would need surgical removal.
Eye complications
Severe eye dryness may lead to corneal ulcers. In such cases, surgeries like corneal transplants or grafts may be necessary to protect the eye.
Lymphoma treatment
Sjögren’s patients have a slightly increased risk of developing lymphoma. If diagnosed, surgery may be part of the treatment plan alongside chemotherapy or radiation.
Abscess or cyst removal in the glands
Chronic inflammation may lead to pus-filled abscesses or cysts that require surgical drainage or removal.
Surgery to reduce severe eye dryness
If eye drops and treatments fail, surgical options like tear duct plugs or protective membrane grafts may be used.
Repairing gland deformities
Some glands may become deformed due to chronic inflammation, and surgery can help restore their appearance or function.
Lung complications
In rare cases, the inflammation may affect the lungs and cause abscesses or tissue masses that need to be surgically removed.
Recurrent gland inflammation
If the inflammation keeps coming back and doesn’t respond to treatment, part or all of the affected gland may need to be removed to reduce pain and complications.
Surgical support or repair of damaged glands
In special cases, precise surgeries may be performed to repair localized damage to the glands.
Removal of rare tumors in glands
If benign or malignant tumors appear in the salivary or tear glands, surgical removal is essential.
Joint surgeries
If Sjögren’s leads to chronic joint inflammation causing damage or deformity, corrective or joint replacement surgery might be needed.
Kidney or urinary tract problems
In rare cases, Sjögren’s can affect the kidneys and cause complications like stones or blockages that may require surgery.
Removal of severely damaged glands
If a gland becomes fibrotic or non-functional and is causing pain or swelling, it may need to be surgically removed.
Skin surgery for ulcers
If dryness or inflammation causes skin ulcers or scars, cosmetic or reconstructive surgery may be needed.
Removal of enlarged lymph nodes
Sometimes lymph nodes become persistently enlarged and may need to be removed or biopsied for analysis.
Upper respiratory issues
Chronic nasal blockage from dry mucous membranes may require surgery to improve breathing.
Complex eye surgeries
In severe cases, corneal grafts or mucous membrane transplants may be done to protect the eye’s surface.

How to Protect Yourself from Dry Eyes and Mouth Due to Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome can cause severe dryness in the eyes and mouth, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Here are some easy steps you can follow at home to protect your eyes and mouth:

Eye Care Tips to Prevent Dryness

Use artificial tears or eye ointments:
If you have dry eyes, use preservative-free artificial tears during the day.
At night, apply a moisturizing gel or ointment to keep your eyes hydrated.

Moisturize your environment:
Use a humidifier, especially in dry climates or during winter.
Avoid direct air sources like fans or air conditioning vents.

Protect your eyes outdoors:
Wear sunglasses or protective glasses to shield your eyes from wind and dust.

Oral Care Tips to Prevent Dry Mouth

Avoid smoking:
Smoking worsens dry mouth and increases the risk of inflammation and ulcers.

Stay hydrated:
Always carry a water bottle and sip water regularly to keep your mouth and tongue moist.
Avoid drinks with caffeine (like coffee) or alcohol, as they worsen dryness.

Stimulate saliva naturally:
Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sour-flavored candies (like lemon) to encourage saliva production.
But don’t overdo it to avoid increasing the risk of tooth decay.

Use artificial saliva:
In severe cases, you can use sprays or lozenges of artificial saliva, which are available in pharmacies.

Clear your nose to avoid mouth breathing:
If your nose is blocked, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth, increasing dryness.
Use a saline nasal spray to help keep your nose clear.

Dental Care to Protect Your Teeth

Dry mouth increases the risk of cavities because saliva protects the mouth from bacteria. So:

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Use dental floss daily to clean between teeth.
Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning.
Use an antibacterial mouthwash regularly, preferably one with fluoride.

How to Protect Your Skin from Dryness Due to Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s doesn’t just affect the eyes and mouth—it can also lead to dry skin and dryness in other body areas. Here’s how to keep your skin hydrated:

Avoid hot water in the shower
Hot showers dry out the skin faster. Use warm water instead and keep showers short to retain natural oils.
Pat your skin dry gently
After showering, use a soft towel and gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.
Moisturize right after showering
Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.
Wear gloves when washing dishes
Cleaning products can dry out your hands. Wear rubber gloves when using detergents or washing dishes.
For vaginal dryness
This is a common issue in women with Sjögren’s. Use fragrance-free vaginal moisturizers or lubricants during intercourse to avoid irritation and discomfort.

Which Doctors Usually Treat Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Your care team may include the following specialists:

Rheumatologist: The main doctor who manages autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases like Sjögren’s.
ENT specialist (Ear, Nose, and Throat): Helps with issues in the mouth, nose, or throat due to dry salivary glands.
Ophthalmologist: Treats eye complications caused by dry tear glands.
Dentist: Ensures oral health, especially with increased risk of tooth decay due to dry mouth.

Usually, you should start by seeing a rheumatologist, who will diagnose and manage the condition, and then refer you to other specialists as needed.

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