Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjögren’s (pronounced Show-grin’s) syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. The body’s immune system attacks glands that secrete fluid, such as the tear and saliva glands.

The effects of Sjögren’s syndrome can be widespread. Certain glands become inflamed, which reduces the production of tears and saliva, causing the main symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome, which are dry eyes and dry mouth.

In women (who are most commonly affected), the glands that keep the vagina moist can also be affected, leading to vaginal dryness.

Read more about the symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome

Symptoms

The most commonly reported symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are a dry mouth and eyes, which can lead to other associated symptoms.

However, these symptoms can be common in old age, and most people with dry eyes or a dry mouth do not have Sjögren’s syndrome.

Many women also experience vaginal dryness, which can make sex painful.


A dry mouth can lead to:

tooth decay and gum disease dry cough difficulty swallowing and chewing hoarse voice difficulty speaking swollen salivary glands (located between your jaw and ears) repeated fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush) – symptoms of which can include a coated or white tongue


Dry eyes can lead to:

burning or stinging eyes itchy eyes a feeling that there’s grit in your eyes irritated and swollen eyelids sensitivity to light (photophobia) tired eyes mucus discharge from your eyes

These symptoms can get worse when you’re:

in a windy or smoky environment in an air-conditioned building travelling on aeroplane


In more serious cases of Sjögren’s syndrome, the immune system can attack other parts of the body, causing symptoms and conditions such as:

dry skin tiredness and fatigue – which are common and can lead to total exhaustion muscle pain joint pain, stiffness and swelling vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels) difficulty concentrating, remembering and reasoning


Dry skin

Several soaps and creams are specifically designed for people with dry skin. Your pharmacist or GP can advise you.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can be treated using a lubricant. Some women also use oestrogen creams or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Muscle and joint pains

Muscle and joint pains can be treated with an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen. If this doesn’t work, see your GP, as stronger NSAIDs are available on prescription.

NSAIDs can increase your risk of developing stomach ulcers and internal bleeding, particularly if they’re taken on a long-term basis.

If you find swallowing NSAIDs difficult because of your dry mouth, you can try an NSAID cream that’s rubbed into affected joints.

NSAIDs aren’t recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for people with pre-existing risk factors for cardiovascular or kidney conditions.