Sjögren’s Disease

Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects nearly four million Americans each year. The condition causes the immune system to attack the glands that produce moisture, leading to dry eyes and mouth.

While Sjögren’s disease is a life-long, chronic condition, it can be managed with proper care. At Banner Health, our team is dedicated to helping you understand and manage this condition.

What is Sjögren’s disease?

Sjögren’s disease occurs when the immune system attacks the glands that produce moisture. These glands usually make things like tears and saliva, which keep your eyes, mouth and other parts of your body moist. When Sjögren’s disease affects these glands, it can cause dry eyes, dry mouth and problems in other areas.

Sjögren’s disease often occurs on its own but can also appear along with other autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma or a form of lupus called systemic lupus erythematosus.

Causes and risk factors for Sjögren’s disease

Sjögren’s disease occurs when the immune system doesn't work as it should. Typically, your immune system is there to protect you from infections. But in this case, it mistakenly targets healthy parts of your body.

Experts don’t know exactly why this happens, but some factors may increase your risk, including:

• Genetics: A family history of autoimmune disorders may increase your risk of developing Sjögren’s disease.
• Sex assigned at birth: The disease is more common in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB).
• Age: While Sjögren’s disease can occur at any age, symptoms tend to appear after age 40.
• Other health conditions: People with other autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, type 1 diabetes or even recent viral infections may have a higher risk of developing Sjögren’s disease.
• Environmental triggers: Exposure to certain environmental factors, like chronic stress or pollution, may trigger the disease in people who are more likely to develop it due to genetics.

Symptoms of Sjögren’s disease

Although the symptoms of Sjögren’s disease may vary from person to person, the most common symptoms are dry eyes and mouth.

These symptoms occur when the body lacks moisture in its tear ducts or salivary glands. You might feel something in your eyes, or they might burn, itch or feel gritty. Your mouth might feel very dry, and it could be hard to swallow, speak or even taste food.

Other possible symptoms include:

• Vaginal dryness and pain during sex
• Dry skin
• Joint pain or swelling
• Chronic cough or trouble breathing
• Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
• Enlarged lymph nodes

How is Sjögren’s disease diagnosed?

Your health care provider will diagnose the disease with a physical exam and some tests.

They will start by discussing your medical history and symptoms. They may ask about any medications or supplements you are taking.

They may order other tests to check the function of your glands and the health of your immune system. These may include:

• Blood tests to reveal if your immune system is attacking healthy blood cells.
• Vision exams or eye tests to measure the moisture production in your eyes.
• Salivary gland tests to help see how much saliva you create from your salivary glands.   

Complications of Sjögren’s disease

If Sjögren’s disease is not well managed, it can sometimes lead to more serious problems. Some possible complications include:

• Infections: Dryness in the eyes, mouth and other areas can make it easier to get infections. For example, people with dry mouths may be more likely to get cavities or gum disease.
• Eye damage: If your eyes are extremely dry for a long time, it can damage the surface of your eyes, causing more serious vision problems. 
• Swollen salivary glands: Some people may notice painful swelling of the glands around the face and neck, especially when eating. 
• Lung and kidney issues: In some cases, Sjögren’s disease can affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs or kidneys, leading to inflammation or other health problems.
• Increased risk of lymphoma: Although rare, people with Sjögren’s disease have a slightly higher risk of developing a type of cancer called lymphoma. 

Treatment of Sjögren’s disease

There is no cure for Sjögren’s disease, but treatment can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. The goal is to keep the eyes and mouth moist and reduce other symptoms.

Treatments may include:

• Artificial tears and eye drops: These can help relieve dry eye symptoms.
• Prescription medications: Some medications can help your body produce more saliva and tears. 
• Saliva producers: Your provider may suggest you chew gum or suck on sugar-free candy or ice chips to help moisturize your mouth. Drinking water regularly or using mouth sprays for dry mouth can help as well. 
• Dental care: Regular dental exams are important to prevent cavities and infections caused by dry mouth.
• Vaginal moisturizers or lubricants: These can relieve vaginal dryness.   

If your symptoms affect other parts of your body, you may need different treatments. For example, if the disease affects your joints or other organs, your provider may prescribe medicines like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to reduce inflammation and to help slow the progression of the disease.

Living with Sjögren’s disease

Sjögren’s disease is a lifelong, chronic condition but most people can lead normal, active lives with proper care and management. 

Part of your care involves regularly seeing your health care provider for general health screenings. You may also need to see specialists, such as an eye doctor, gynecologist or dentist, to help manage specific symptoms.

Don’t hesitate to talk to your provider if you think a treatment is not working or as effective as it used to be. Early treatment can help prevent more serious problems and improve your quality of life.

Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you can’t breathe or swallow. 

How Banner Health can help

If you suspect you or a loved one has Sjögren’s disease or have already received a diagnosis, Banner Health is here to help. We offer a full range of services, from diagnosis to treatment, and have a dedicated team to ensure you receive the best possible care. 

Call or schedule an appointment online today to speak with one of our specialists.