Sjögren's Disease Symptoms: Dry Eyes, Dry Mouth and When to Be Seen

What it involves

MedlinePlus explains that Sjögren's disease, previously called Sjögren's syndrome, is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the glands that make moisture in the eyes, mouth and other parts of the body. That causes dry eyes and a dry mouth, and it can also reach the joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs and nerves.

Who this is for

• Adults with dry, burning or gritty eyes and a dry mouth that have lasted for weeks or longer.
• Patients who also have joint pain, fatigue, dry skin or swollen glands in the face and neck.
• People with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus who notice new dryness.
• Anyone who has trouble swallowing dry food or speaking for long without sipping water.

What to expect

• Questions about how long the dryness has lasted, your medicines, joint pain, fatigue and other autoimmune conditions
• A look at your eyes, mouth, glands and joints
• Blood work, which the practice offers, as one part of the evaluation
• A referral to an eye specialist, a dentist or a rheumatologist when tear, saliva or gland testing is needed

What it can feel like

MedlinePlus describes eyes that burn or itch or feel like they have sand in them, sometimes with blurry vision or sensitivity to bright light. The mouth feels dry in the tongue and throat, and chewing, swallowing, speaking and tasting can all be harder. Some people have cycles of mild and then severe symptoms. Dryness has many everyday causes, which the dry eye guide and the dry mouth guide describe, so Sjögren's disease is considered when both problems show up together or keep returning.

Symptoms beyond the eyes and mouth

Because the immune system can affect other organs, MedlinePlus lists joint and muscle pain, dry skin, rashes on the hands or feet, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, acid reflux, swollen glands around the face and neck, and trouble sleeping or concentrating. A dry cough that will not go away, vaginal dryness and lasting fatigue are also on the list. Tingling is covered in the numbness and tingling guide, and tiredness in the fatigue guide. Not everyone has every symptom.

Who is more likely to have it

According to MedlinePlus, most people with Sjögren's disease are women, and it is most common in adults over 50, although it can start at any age. Some people have it alone, while others have it with another autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or certain types of vasculitis. Because the symptoms overlap, a second condition can make Sjögren's disease harder to spot. The rheumatoid arthritis guide and the lupus guide describe the two most common partners.

How it is diagnosed

MedlinePlus says there is no specific test for Sjögren's disease. A provider asks about your medical history and symptoms, examines you for dry mouth and for signs of related autoimmune diseases, and may order tests. Those include eye tests to measure tear production and check for damage from dryness, salivary gland tests that can involve imaging or a biopsy, and blood tests. The practice offers blood work, and the complete blood count guide explains one common test. Eye and gland testing are arranged by referral.

Treatment and daily relief

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications, and it differs from person to person. MedlinePlus lists artificial tears or ointments, saliva substitutes, prescription medicines that help the salivary glands make more saliva, tiny plugs placed in the tear ducts, and medicines for pain, inflammation or mouth infections. Medicines that weaken the immune system are reserved for severe cases. Sipping water, sugar-free candy, a humidifier and avoiding smoking can help. A dry mouth raises the risk of cavities, so regular dental care matters.

When to be seen

Make an appointment when dry eyes and a dry mouth last more than a few weeks, or when they come with joint pain, swollen glands or lasting fatigue. MedlinePlus notes that people with Sjögren's disease have a somewhat higher chance of lymphoma, though the risk is low, so a new lump in the face or neck should be checked, as the swollen lymph nodes guide explains. Trouble swallowing is covered in the swallowing guide. Go to the ER for sudden vision loss or severe eye pain.

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Sjögren's Disease