What are the leading symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome?

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 condition often accompanies other immune system disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

What are the hallmark symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome?

The hallmark symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome are extreme dry eyes and mouth. Some people also experience joint pain, swelling and/or stiffness. Sjögren's syndrome that occurs by itself is called primary Sjögren's syndrome.

What triggers Sjogren's syndrome?

Causes. Share on Pinterest Sjogren's is caused by white blood cells mistakenly attacking moisture-producing glands. The causes of Sjogren's remain largely unknown. Studies have indicated that a viral or bacterial infection may trigger the disease, but that the underlying cause is primarily genetic and environmental.

What organs are affected by Sjogren's syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome can also affect other body organ systems. These organs include the skin, joints, muscles, blood, lung, heart, kidney, and nerves.

Can Sjogren's come on suddenly?

The condition may progress slowly, so the typical symptoms of dry eyes and mouth may take years to show. However, rapid onset can also occur. Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and the progression is often unpredictable.

Sjogren’s Syndrome ("Dry Eye Syndrome") | Primary vs. Secondary, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What does Sjogren's pain feel like?

Your joints may be painful and swollen due to inflammation, or you might feel that various parts of your body, such as your muscles, are achy and tender. Some people with this condition have headaches and migraines.

What does a Sjogren's tongue look like?

a smooth, red tongue. a change in how food tastes. dry, sore and cracked skin at the corners of your lips. problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, mouth ulcers, and oral thrush (a fungal infection that can cause a raw, red or white tongue)

What does Sjögren's fatigue feel like?

Sjogren's Syndrome patients often complain of mental fatigue or “brain fog.” Brain fog impairs focus, causes fuzzy concentration, and contributes to difficulty in problem-solving.

What can mimic Sjogren's?

What drugs make sjogrens worse?

Avoid medicines that are known to cause dry eyes. These include antihistamines, diuretics, and some antidepressants. Talk with your doctor if you take any of these medicines. Sometimes the benefits of a medicine outweigh the risks.

What does Sjogren's rash look like?

Sjogren's syndrome patients often develop a purple-to-red rash that does not lighten when pressure is applied. They may also show purpura (rashes with blood spots) that's indicative of vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels). If you observe any of these rashes on your skin, consult a dermatologist.

Do Sjogren's symptoms come and go?

As with other autoimmune diseases, the severity of Sjögren's varies from person to person. Many patients have a mild disease that only affects the eyes and mouth. Others have symptoms that wax and wane in severity or may even go into remission. Some have severe and chronic (long-term) symptoms.

What vitamins help with Sjogren's?

What should I avoid with Sjogren's syndrome?

Individuals who experience severe xerostomia tend to avoid crunchy foods such as raw vegetables, dry or tough foods such as meats and breads, and sticky foods such as peanut butter. Xerostomia can also affect dental health.

What neurological problems does sjogrens cause?

Neurological manifestations of primary Sjogren syndrome include sensory ataxic neuropathy, multiple mononeuropathy, multiple cranial neuropathy, and autonomic neuropathy. Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune disease characterized by dysfunction of exocrine glands that results in symptoms of dry mouth and dry eyes.

What is the best medicine for Sjogren's syndrome?

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), a drug designed to treat malaria, is often helpful in treating Sjogren's syndrome. Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate (Trexall), also might be prescribed.

Does Sjogren's affect the nose?

The disease can affect parts of the body other than the eyes and mouth. You may experience dryness in your nose or throat or on your skin.

Does Sjogren's always show up in blood test?

In Sjögren's syndrome, the immune system produces antibodies that attack healthy areas of the body. These can be found during a blood test. But not everyone with Sjögren's syndrome has these antibodies, so you may have the condition even if a blood test does not find them.

What is a positive Sjögren's test?

Blood and urine tests, to look for the presence of antibodies common in Sjögren's syndrome. The results of an ANA (antinuclear antibody) test will determine if you have an autoimmune disorder. Schirmer's test, to see if your tear glands are producing enough tears to keep your eyes moist.

Does Sjogren's affect your feet?

By Julius Birnbaum, M.D. The neurological complications of Sjögren's syndrome are extensive and range from cognitive difficulties, to burning toes and feet.

Does Sjogren's make you feel sick?

People with Sjogren's may have a chronic dry cough or experience shortness of breath (feeling like you can't breathe). They may frequently get sick with respiratory (breathing-related) illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis.

Does sjogrens cause hair loss?

Does Sjögren's syndrome cause hair loss? If you have Sjögren's syndrome, you might see some hair loss, and it might be as a result of the condition. There is a condition known as frontal fibrosing alopecia that is being found in higher numbers in people (mostly women) with autoimmune diseases.

Can Sjogren's affect your voice?

Protect Your Voice

People with Sjögren's syndrome can develop hoarseness if their vocal cords become inflamed as part of the disease or become irritated from throat dryness or coughing. To prevent further strain on your vocal cords, try not to clear your throat before speaking.

Does Sjogren's turn into lupus?

Most often, the co-occurring autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis. Other individuals with secondary Sjogren's may have lupus, scleroderma, primary biliary cirrhosis, or a different kind of autoimmune disease.

Does Sjogren's cause itching?

Your skin is dry and itchy

Unless you use heavy moisturizers and take extra steps to lock in hydration, Sjögren's can cause your skin to feel rough and itchy. You might also notice an eczema-like rash, which is likely more related to underlying autoimmune problems as opposed to the body's moisture production, says Dr.