Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the glands responsible for producing moisture, such as the tear and salivary glands. It can lead to dryness of the eyes and mouth and may also involve the joints and other organs. Symptoms can range from mild dryness to more systemic manifestations that affect daily comfort and function.

Because Sjögren’s syndrome may occur alone or alongside other autoimmune conditions, comprehensive evaluation and ongoing management are important.

What Is Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system targets moisture-producing glands, resulting in reduced tear and saliva production. In addition to gland involvement, the condition may cause inflammation in the joints, nerves, lungs, or other tissues.

The condition is inflammatory and systemic, rather than degenerative, and symptoms may progress gradually over time.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome may include:

• Dry eyes causing irritation or burning
• Dry mouth or difficulty swallowing
• Joint pain or stiffness
• Fatigue
• Swelling of salivary glands
• Dry skin or mucous membranes

Some individuals may also experience systemic symptoms beyond dryness.

What Causes Sjögren’s Syndrome?

The precise cause is not fully understood, but contributing factors may include:

• Autoimmune activation
• Genetic predisposition
• Environmental triggers
• Hormonal influences

Sjögren’s syndrome may occur on its own or in association with other autoimmune conditions.

How Is Sjögren’s Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and testing, which may include:

• Review of dryness-related symptoms and medical history
• Physical examination
• Laboratory testing to assess autoimmune markers
• Additional tests to evaluate gland function when indicated

Because symptoms may be subtle or overlap with other conditions, diagnosis may take time.

Treatment Options for Sjögren’s Syndrome

Treatment focuses on symptom management and may include:

• Strategies to relieve dryness and protect gland function
• Anti-inflammatory approaches for joint or systemic symptoms
• Medications to address immune-related inflammation when appropriate
• Advanced therapies for patients with systemic involvement
• Infusion-based treatments in select cases

Management plans are tailored to individual symptoms and disease severity.

When to See a Rheumatologist

You may benefit from rheumatologic evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent dryness of the eyes or mouth
• Joint pain or stiffness alongside dryness
• Fatigue or systemic symptoms
• Positive autoimmune blood tests

Specialized care helps guide diagnosis and long-term management.

Our Approach to Treating Sjögren’s Syndrome

Our approach emphasizes individualized care and ongoing monitoring to address both gland-related and systemic symptoms. Treatment plans are adjusted as needed to support comfort, function, and overall health.

For patients requiring advanced or infusion-based therapies, coordinated care is provided in a supportive clinical setting.

Schedule a Consultation

If dryness or joint symptoms are affecting your quality of life, scheduling a consultation can help clarify the diagnosis and explore appropriate management options.