Sjögren's Syndrome
Also known as: Sjögren's Disease
An autoimmune condition attacking moisture-producing glands, causing dry eyes, dry mouth, and systemic complications. Requires monitoring for organ involvement.
Key Facts
- Affects up to 4 million Americans, 90% of whom are women
- Can occur alone (primary) or with other autoimmune diseases (secondary)
- Anti-SSA antibodies are present in about 70% of patients
- Dry mouth increases cavity risk significantly — dental care is essential
- Long-term lymphoma risk is elevated compared to the general population
What is Sjögren’s syndrome?
Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands, primarily the salivary and lacrimal (tear) glands. The hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth, but Sjögren’s is a systemic disease that can affect the joints, lungs, kidneys, nerves, and other organs.
Sjögren’s can occur on its own (primary) or alongside another autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus (secondary).
Symptoms
- Dry eyes — gritty, burning sensation; frequent use of artificial tears
- Dry mouth — difficulty swallowing dry foods, increased dental cavities, mouth sores
- Joint pain and swelling
- Fatigue, often severe
- Swollen salivary glands
- Vaginal dryness
- Skin dryness
- Peripheral neuropathy — numbness or tingling
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- In rare cases: lung involvement, kidney disease, or lymphoma (long-term risk)
How we diagnose it
- Clinical evaluation — History of dryness symptoms, duration, and severity
- Blood work — Anti-SSA (Ro) and anti-SSB (La) antibodies, ANA, RF, inflammatory markers, immunoglobulin levels
- Schirmer's test — Measures tear production
- Salivary gland evaluation — Salivary flow testing or minor salivary gland biopsy (lip biopsy) for definitive diagnosis when antibodies are negative
- Routine monitoring — Complete blood count, kidney function, and screening labs to detect systemic involvement
How we treat it
- Moisture replacement — Artificial tears, saliva substitutes, humidifiers
- Prescription dry eye therapy — Cyclosporine or lifitegrast eye drops (often coordinated with ophthalmology)
- Pilocarpine or cevimeline — Medications that stimulate saliva and tear production
- Hydroxychloroquine — For joint pain and fatigue
- Immunosuppressants — For significant organ involvement (lungs, kidneys, nerves)
- Dental care — Aggressive preventive dentistry due to increased cavity risk from dry mouth
- Monitoring — Regular screening for complications, including lymphoma surveillance in high-risk patients
At Synergy Rheumatology
Sjögren's is more than dry eyes and dry mouth — it requires ongoing monitoring for systemic complications. We coordinate with ophthalmology and dentistry to manage the condition comprehensively, and adjust treatment as the disease evolves.
Have questions about sjögren's syndrome?
Schedule an appointment to discuss your symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment options with Dr. Fellows.