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Sjogren's Syndrome
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Immune System

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks moisture-producing glands, primarily causing dry eyes and dry mouth.

Overview

Sjogren's syndrome, also called Sjogren's disease, is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease. When you have an autoimmune disease, your immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs by mistake. In Sjogren's syndrome, your immune system attacks the glands that make moisture in the eyes, mouth, and other parts of the body. This causes a dry mouth and dry eyes. You may have dryness in other places that need moisture, such as your nose, throat, and skin. Sjogren's can also affect other parts of the body, including your joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs, and nerves.

Causes & Risk Factors

Normally, your immune system protects the body from infection and disease. But with Sjogren's syndrome and other autoimmune diseases, your immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs. Researchers don't know for sure what causes the immune system to do this. But they think that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Studies have linked Sjogren's syndrome to gene changes in several genes. Some researchers also think that the disease may be triggered by something in the environment. For example, they think that one possible trigger could be a previous infection with a virus or bacteria.

Who is more likely to develop Sjogren's syndrome?

  • Most people with Sjogren's syndrome are women.
  • You can get it at any age, but it is most common in people in their 40s and 50s.
  • Sjogren's syndrome is more common in people who have other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. This is known as a secondary form of Sjogren's syndrome.
  • People who don't have another autoimmune disease have a primary form of Sjogren's syndrome.

Symptoms

Sjogren's syndrome may have different effects on the body. Not everyone will have the same symptoms. Some people have cycles of mild and then severe symptoms.

The two main symptoms are:

  • Dry eyes: Your eyes may burn or itch or feel like they have sand in them. Sometimes your vision may be blurry, or you could be bothered by bright lights.
  • Dry mouth: Your tongue and your throat may feel dry. You might have trouble swallowing, speaking, and tasting.

Sjogren's syndrome can also affect other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as:

  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Dry skin
  • Rashes on the skin of hands or feet
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Dry cough that doesn't go away
  • Fatigue that doesn't go away

Diagnosis

There is no single test for Sjogren's syndrome. To find out if you have it, your provider:

  • Will ask about your medical history and symptoms.
  • Will do a physical exam, which includes checking for signs of dry mouth and signs of related autoimmune diseases.
  • May order tests, including:
    • Eye tests to see if you produce a normal amount of tears and to find out if your eyes have been damaged by dryness.
    • Salivary gland tests to measure how much saliva your mouth produces. They could include imaging tests and a biopsy.
    • Blood tests.

Treatment & Management

There is no cure for Sjogren's syndrome. Treatment focuses on relieving your symptoms. The treatments can be different for each person, depending on which parts of the body are affected. They may include:

  • Eye drops (artificial tears) or ointments to relieve dryness in the eyes.
  • Saliva substitutes.
  • Prescription medicines that cause your salivary glands to make more saliva.
  • A minor procedure that places small plugs in the tear duct in the corners of the eyes. The plugs block your tears from draining so they stay in your eyes longer.
  • Medicines to help with other symptoms caused by Sjogren's syndrome, such as medicines for pain and inflammation.
  • Medicines that suppress (weaken) your immune system (for severe cases).

You can also try to relieve some of your symptoms by sucking on sugar-free candy, drinking water often, increasing the humidity in your room, and not smoking. Because having a dry mouth can raise your risk of cavities, it's important to take good care of your teeth and see your dentist regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

For dry eyes, use preservative-free artificial tears during the day and lubricating ointments at night. Applying a warm compress to closed eyelids for five minutes can help unclog oil glands. For dry mouth, sip water frequently, use sugar-free gum or lozenges to stimulate saliva, and use a humidifier in your bedroom at night. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco, as these substances worsen dehydration and dryness. How can I protect my teeth from decay when I have Sjogren's syndrome and reduced saliva production?::Reduced saliva increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. You should visit a dentist every three to four months for professional cleanings and fluoride treatments. At home, use a fluoride toothpaste and consider asking your dentist about prescription-strength fluoride gel or varnish. Limit sugary snacks and drinks, and rinse your mouth with water after eating to help wash away food particles and acids. Does Sjogren's syndrome increase my risk for other serious health conditions beyond dryness?::Yes, Sjogren's syndrome can affect other organs and increases the risk of certain conditions. People with Sjogren's have a higher risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, particularly B-cell lymphoma. It can also cause inflammation in the lungs, kidneys, and liver, as well as nerve damage that leads to numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Regular monitoring by a rheumatologist is essential to detect these complications early. Can stress or certain medications make my Sjogren's symptoms worse?::Yes, both stress and specific medications can exacerbate symptoms. High stress levels can trigger immune system flares, leading to increased dryness and fatigue. Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and diuretics, have drying side effects that can significantly worsen dry eyes and mouth. Always review your current medication list with your doctor to see if alternatives are available that do not contribute to dryness.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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