Sjögren's

Sjögren's is a chronic, autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the glands that produce moisture in the eyes, lips, and other areas of the body, resulting in dry eyes and mouth.

Short Bowel Syndrome with Intestinal Failure (SBS-IF)

Short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure is a condition where individuals cannot absorb nutrients properly because they lack part of their intestine due to portions being surgically removed, parts missing since birth, or portions damaged and unable to function properly.

Types of Sjögren's

Primary Sjögren's: Occurs on its own, without the presence of an underlying rheumatic disease such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Secondary Sjögren's: Occurs with another rheumatic disease such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

People with Sjögren's may experience a variety of signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

Dry eyes, mouth and nose

Swollen salivary glands

Dry skin or skin rashes

Dry throat and frequent coughing

Joint paint

Fatigue

Diagnosis Journey

Learn more about how people who are experiencing signs and symptoms of Sjögren's can be diagnosed.

If you are experiencing unusual dryness, you may want to ask your doctor about Sjögren's. The signs and symptoms of Sjögren's might differ from person to person and resemble those of other conditions, making a diagnosis difficult. The following tests can be used to confirm Sjögren's and rule out other conditions:

Blood Tests: Evaluates the presence of specific antibodies that are common in Sjögren's.
Eye Tests: The Schirmer test is a common test that measures eye dryness and tear production. The ocular surface staining test checks for damage and dryness on the surfaces of eyes.
Imaging: Sialogram and salivary scintigraphy are tests that check the function of salivary glands and how much saliva is produced.
Lip Biopsy: Detects the presence of inflammation and inflammatory cells in the salivary glands.

If you feel that you are not receiving adequate treatment, don't be afraid to explore other physicians and specialists in order to get the care you need.

Specialists

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Registered doctors

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Ongoing Research and Treatment Options

Sjögren's is a condition that requires more effective treatment options. To find these new treatments for Sjogren’s, further research is necessary.

Current Research Studies

There are over 50 Sjögren's research studies that are actively recruiting participants. Search this site to find Sjögren's research studies near you.

Visit Clinicaltrials.gov

Featured Study

Sjögren’s Clinical Study

If you have Sjögren’s, you may be eligible to participate in a clinical study looking to help relieve symptoms related to Sjögren’s and evaluate changes in your quality of life.

Treatment Options:

Treatment for Sjögren's is dependent on the affected body parts, but most commonly targets dry eye and dry mouth.

Medications

Medications used for managing Sjögren's include:

Artificial Tears and Prescription Eye Drops: Alleviates dryness and inflammation in the eyes.
Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Manages pain related to arthritis and reduces inflammation.
Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate are types of DMARDs that target systemic symptoms.
Saliva Stimulants: Enhances saliva production to improve dry mouth.

Lifestyle Remedies

Many patients find symptom relief through lifestyle remedies.

To relieve dry eye, some may use artificial tears/eye lubricant and increase humidity.
To treat dry mouth, individuals may avoid smoking, increase fluid intake, stimulate the flow of saliva with gum or hard candy, use artificial saliva, or use nasal saline spray.
To treat dry skin, individuals may avoid bathing or showering in hot water. Those experiencing vaginal dryness may use vaginal moisturizers or lubricants.
Sjögren's increases the risk of dental cavities and tooth loss. Individuals may be advised to brush and floss after each meal, maintain routine dental check-ups, and incorporate daily topical fluoride treatments and antimicrobial mouthwashes.

Surgery

In some cases, a surgery called a punctal occlusion may be performed to seal the tear ducts to help with dry eyes.

Resources

Find an online community of fellow Sjögren's patients, caregivers, and advocates below as well as some other general resources!

Living with Sjögren's Syndrome

A group that offers a supportive space for people with Sjögren's to ask questions and share their experiences.

Sjögren's Support Group

A support group for those with Sjögren's and other autoimmune diseases.

Sjögren's Syndrome Awareness

A support group for people with Sjögren's, as well as their family members and friends who want to support them.

Reddit Group: r/ Sjögrens

A Reddit community for science and evidence-based discussions related to Sjögren's.

Sjögren’s Foundation

Sjögren’s Foundation is an organization whose vision is to build a community of patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers to address the condition's complexities.

International Sjögren's Network

The International Sjögren's Network is a group of organizations in various countries that work to raise awareness and provide services to people living with Sjögren's.

Sjögren’s Strong - Podcast

An informative podcast about living with Sjögren’s and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Sjögren’s Advocate – Blog

Read the various blog posts on the Sjögren’s Advocate website to read about different topics related to Sjögren’s.

Sjögren’s Foundation – Blog

Read the blog posts on the Sjögren's Foundation website to learn more about Sjögren's.

Medical Criteria Needed to Qualify with Sjögren's Syndrome
‍Visit this website for more information on qualifying for disability benefits for individuals with Sjögren's.

Sjögren’s Foundation – Survival Tips
‍Check out the website for tips on how to manage and live with Sjögren's.

Study Identifies Risk Factors for ILD Among Primary Sjögren’s Patients

Learn more about a study that identifies risk factors for interstitial lung disease (ILD) in people with Sjögren's.

Late-Breaking Results Show Nipocalimab Significantly Improves Sjögren’s Disease Activity in a Phase 2 Study

Read this article to learn more about how Nipocalimab has significantly improved disease activity in Sjögren's.

Sjögren's Foundation - Events

Visit the website below to find upcoming events for Sjögren’s.

FAQs

Is Sjögren's life-threatening?

Most people with Sjögren's go through life without serious complications. With secondary Sjögren's, people may be more susceptible to complications from the underlying disorder. In addition to extensive dryness, other serious complications include oral and eye infections, abnormal liver or kidney function, lung problems, and lymphomas.

Does Sjögren's get worse over time?

Sjögren's may remain stable or worsen over time. The progression of the condition depends on the individual and if they have other conditions or complications.

Is Sjögren's rare?

Sjögren's is not considered a rare disease, as it affects approximately 3-4 million Americans.

Can Sjögren’s be cured?

No. There is currently no cure for Sjögren's but there are treatments available to manage symptoms.

Who diagnoses and treats Sjögren's?

Rheumatologists typically diagnose and treat people with Sjögren's.

What are the risk factors for Sjögren's?

Risk factors for Sjögren's include being a female, being 40 years old or older, having rheumatic diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis, and possessing specific genetic factors.

Where can I find support for my Sjögren's?

Find different resources for support in the Resources section.

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