Sjögren's Syndrome

Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disease where immune cells attack moisture-producing glands, causing chronic dry eyes and mouth. It can also involve joints, lungs, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. Sjögren's occurs as a primary disorder or secondary to other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Genetic predisposition (HLA-DR, IRF5, STAT4 variants)
• Mainly affects women aged 40–60
• Environmental triggers: viral infections, hormonal shifts, stress
• Coexisting autoimmune conditions

Symptoms

• Dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca): Gritty sensation, burning, photophobia
• Dry mouth (xerostomia): Difficulty swallowing dry foods, increased dental decay, hoarseness
• Swollen salivary glands (parotid)
• Fatigue, joint pain, morning stiffness
• Dry skin, nasal passages, or vaginal tissues
• Raynaud's phenomenon, neuropathy, vasculitis
• Low-grade fevers, enlarged lymph nodes

Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or signs of kidney dysfunction.

Diagnosis

• Blood tests: ANA, RF, anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La, elevated ESR.
• Schirmer test: Measures tear production.
• Salivary gland flow or scintigraphy.
• Minor salivary gland biopsy (lip) showing focal lymphocytic sialadenitis.
• Dental exams for caries; ophthalmology evaluations for corneal changes.

Treatment

Symptom Management

• Artificial tears, gels, punctal plugs.
• Saliva substitutes, sugar-free lozenges, pilocarpine or cevimeline.
• Fluoride treatments, frequent dental cleanings.
• Humidifiers and nasal saline sprays.

Systemic Therapy

• Hydroxychloroquine for fatigue/joint pain.
• Low-dose steroids or immunosuppressants (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate) for organ involvement.
• Biologics or rituximab considered in severe cases.

Lifestyle

• Stay hydrated; sip water throughout the day.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
• Use lubricants for vaginal dryness.
• Protect eyes from wind and screens; take vision breaks.

Complications

• Dental decay, oral infections, thrush
• Corneal ulcers or infections
• Lung disease, kidney involvement
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma—report persistent gland swelling or night sweats promptly.

Research & Future Directions

Investigations include B-cell targeted therapies, BAFF inhibitors, regenerative gland therapies, and biomarkers predicting lymphoma risk.

Experimental & Emerging Treatments

• BAFF/APRIL Inhibitors (belimumab, ianalumab): Biologics that reduce B-cell activating factors are in trials for systemic Sjögren’s symptoms.
• Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy: MSC infusions show early promise for improving salivary flow and fatigue, though access is limited to clinical studies.
• Gene & Regenerative Therapies: Lab-grown salivary gland organoids and gene therapy aimed at boosting aquaporin expression are being explored.
• Neuromodulation Devices: Implantable saliva stimulators or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation may help severe dry mouth when medications fail.

Track Sjögren's Symptoms with Diagnoza.care

Care for Sjögren's with Diagnoza.care – Log dryness scores, dental visits, medications, and rheumatology appointments, schedule ophthalmology follow-ups, capture side effects, and have the AI companion correlate fatigue or flares with hydration, stress, or weather.

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Medical Disclaimer: Informational purposes only. Follow your rheumatologist, dentist, and ophthalmologist for individualized treatment. Sources: Sjögren’s Foundation, American College of Rheumatology, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases