Sjögren’s Disease
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What is Sjögren’s Disease?
What are the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Sjogren’s?
- Severe Dryness – Eyes, mouth, skin, and vaginal dryness.
- Eye Dryness & Irritation – Itching, burning, blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light.
- Dry Mouth – Difficulty swallowing, constant thirst, taste changes, frequent cavities.
- Swollen Salivary Glands – Painful swelling in the cheeks (parotiditis).
- Muscle & Joint Pain – Chronic, symmetric pain that may mimic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but without joint deformities.
- Lung Disease – Chronic dry cough, shortness of breath, and increased risk of interstitial lung disease.
- Neurological Issues – Brain fog, memory problems, tingling, headaches, or optic neuritis (vision changes).
- Heart Disease – Increased risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, strokes, and fluid around the heart.
- Gastrointestinal Problems – Difficulty swallowing, acid reflux, nausea, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
- Kidney Dysfunction – Increased urination, kidney inflammation, metabolic acidosis.
- Severe Fatigue & Depression – One of the most debilitating symptoms, often misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia.
- Blood Disorders – Anemia, low white blood cells, high immunoglobulins, cryoglobulinemia.
- Increased Risk of Lymphoma – Patients with Sjogren’s have a higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, especially after 10+ years of disease.
Since symptoms vary from patient to patient, Sjogren’s is often misdiagnosed or takes years to be correctly identified.
How is Sjogren’s Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Sjogren’s requires specialized testing since many symptoms overlap with other autoimmune diseases.
- Persistent Symptoms for 3+ Months – Dryness, joint pain, fatigue, neurological issues.
- Physical Examination – Checking salivary gland swelling, skin dryness, and joint symptoms.
- Blood Tests:
- SSA/SSB Antibodies (Anti-Ro, Anti-La) – Present in 60-80% of cases.
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF) – Positive in 40% of patients, even without RA.
- ANA (Antinuclear Antibodies) – Common in many autoimmune diseases.
- Immunoglobulin Levels (IgG) – Elevated in 60% of cases, may indicate higher lymphoma risk.
- Cryoglobulins – Can signal an increased risk of vasculitis or lymphoma.
- Eye Tests:
- Schirmer’s Test – Measures tear production.
- Rose Bengal Staining – Detects eye surface damage from dryness.
- Salivary Gland Tests:
- Salivary Flow Test – Evaluates reduced saliva production.
- Lip Biopsy – Identifies inflammation in minor salivary glands.
- Imaging:
- Chest X-ray or CT Scan – Detects lung involvement.
- MRI or Nerve Conduction Studies – Evaluates neurological symptoms.
- Specialist Consultation: Since Sjogren’s is complex, an experienced rheumatologist is essential for proper diagnosis.
What Are Our Treatment Options for Patients with Sjogren’s Disease?
At Rheumatologist OnCall, we focus on reducing symptoms, preventing complications, and improving quality of life.
Medications
- Dry Eyes Treatment:
- Artificial Tears (Over-the-Counter) – Helps relieve irritation.
- Prescription Eye Drops – Cyclosporine (Restasis) and Lifitegrast (Xiidra) reduce eye inflammation.
- Dry Mouth Treatment:
- Pilocarpine (Salagen) & Cevimeline (Evoxac) – Stimulate saliva production.
- Biotin & Moisturizing Mouth Sprays – Improve oral hydration.
- Good Oral Hygiene & Regular Dental Visits – Prevents cavities and tooth loss.
- Joint & Muscle Pain Relief:
- NSAIDs (Naproxen, Meloxicam) – For mild inflammation.
- DMARDs (Hydroxychloroquine, Methotrexate, Mycophenolate Mofetil, Azathioprine) – For more severe joint and organ involvement.
- Biologics (Rituximab, Abatacept, Humira, Enbrel) – to reduce Sjogren’s-related inflammation.
- New & Emerging Treatments for Sjogren’s Disease, now in clinical trials
- Dazodalibep (DAZ) – Targets CD40 ligand, reducing fatigue, dryness, and inflammation.
- Ianalumab – A B-cell targeting biologic similar to Rituximab.
- Nipocalimab – Blocks autoantibodies, potentially preventing damage.
- Belimumab (Benlysta) – Used in lupus, now in trials for Sjogren’s.
- Abatacept (Orencia) – Used in Rheumatoid arthritis, being studied for systemic inflammation in Sjogren’s.
Lifestyle & Holistic Approaches
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet – We provide personalized nutrition plans to reduce symptoms and improve immune function.
- Supplements – Omega-3s, Vitamin D, Turmeric, and Probiotics can support immune balance.
- Physical Therapy & Gentle Exercise – Low-impact movement helps prevent stiffness and fatigue.
- Stress Management & Mindfulness – Chronic stress worsens Sjogren’s symptoms, so meditation, yoga, and therapy can help.
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Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medications. Supplements can interact with drugs and may not be suitable for everyone.
Watch More About Sjogren’s Disease
Why Choose Rheumatologist OnCall for Your Sjogren’s Disease Care?
At Rheumatologist OnCall, we provide expert, personalized, and convenient care for autoimmune diseases. Our approach is different because we offer:
Expert Rheumatologists
Board-certified specialists with years of experience treating Sjogren’s. Dr Girnita is a world recognized expert in treating Sjogren’s Disease.
Virtual & In-Person Consultations
Skip long wait times—get care from home or visit our clinic in Irvine, CA.
Holistic & Whole-Body Treatment
We combine precision medicine, diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes to improve health outcomes.
Fast & Affordable Access
Direct access to specialist care without insurance barriers.
Let us help you take control of your Sjogren’s Disease today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sjogren’s Disease
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The earliest symptoms of Sjogren’s Disease include:
- Severe Dryness – Eyes, mouth, skin, vaginal dryness.
- Fatigue & Brain Fog – Feeling exhausted even after resting.
- Joint Pain & Muscle Aches – Without visible swelling.
- Recurrent Swelling of Salivary Glands – Especially in the cheeks.
- Dry Cough & Shortness of Breath – May signal lung involvement.
Since symptoms can mimic other diseases, early consultation with a rheumatologist is crucial.
Yes! While dryness is a hallmark symptom, some patients experience neurological issues, lung disease, or severe fatigue first. In fact, some people develop systemic complications years before noticeable dryness appears.
Certain foods can worsen inflammation and dryness, including:
- Processed & Sugary Foods – Increase inflammation.
- Dairy & Gluten – Some patients report worsened symptoms.
- Caffeine & Alcohol – Can increase dehydration and worsen dry mouth.
Instead, opt for an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats (avocados, olive oil), and Omega-3s.
While Sjogren’s is not typically fatal, it can lead to serious complications such as:
- Lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma) – Patients have a higher risk than the general population.
- Heart & Lung Disease – Increased risk of heart attacks and interstitial lung disease.
- Kidney Dysfunction – Some patients develop kidney inflammation and metabolic acidosis.
With proper management, most patients live full, active lives.
While Sjogren’s and lupus are both autoimmune diseases, they have key differences:
Feature | Sjogren’s Disease | Lupus |
Primary Symptom | Severe dryness (eyes, mouth) | Joint pain, rashes (butterfly rash) |
Organ Involvement | Lungs, kidneys, nerves | Kidneys, heart, skin, brain |
Blood Test Markers | SSA/SSB Antibodies | ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Sm |
Sun Sensitivity | Less common | Very common |
Lymphoma Risk | Increased | Lower than Sjogren’s |
Many patients have both Sjogren’s and lupus, requiring specialized autoimmune care.
Yes! Sjogren’s can affect the nervous system, leading to:
- Brain Fog & Memory Issues – Difficulty focusing or finding words.
- Peripheral Neuropathy – Numbness, tingling, burning sensations.
- Optic Neuritis – Vision problems are caused by inflammation of the optic nerve.
- Headaches & Migraines – Linked to autoimmune inflammation.
Early intervention is critical to prevent long-term damage if you have these symptoms.
Exciting new treatments are emerging for Sjogren’s, including:
- Dazodalibep (DAZ) – Shows promise in reducing dryness and fatigue.
- Ianalumab – Targets B cells, reducing inflammation.
- Nipocalimab – Blocks autoantibodies, a possible root cause of Sjogren’s.
- Belimumab (Benlysta) – Used in lupus, now being studied for Sjogren’s.
- Abatacept (Orencia) – May help reduce systemic inflammation.
Find Clinical Trials: Visit clinicaltrials.gov to check ongoing Sjogren’s research studies.