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Hiding in Plain Sight Sjögren's Disease

Feeling dry all the time?

Dry eyes and dry mouth are the most common signs of Sjögren's (pronounced show-grins) disease. Sjögren's is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakes some of the body’s glands as threats. It can also affect the lungs, joints, kidneys, blood vessels, and digestive nerves and organs.

Sjögren's can occur on its own or with other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma.

What are symptoms of Sjögren's Disease?

  • Dry mouth
  • Dry eyes
  • Fatigue
  • Dryness in throat, nose and skin
  • Swollen glands
  • Joint swelling or stiffness
  • Prolonged dry skin
  • Skin rashes
  • Chronic dry cough
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Problems urinating, painful or frequent urination
  • Numbness/tingling in fingers and toes

Watch our video: Sjögren's Signs and Symptoms

When to See a Doctor

Sjogren’s has a wide range of symptoms. Click on each symptom for a more detailed description. If any of these persist even after taking over-the-counter medications, it’s time to contact your health care provider and review your symptoms together.

How is Sjögren's diagnosed?

Diagnosing Sjögren's is not always easy because its symptoms can mimic other conditions. Here are some steps your doctor may take:

  • Ask questions about your dry eyes, dry mouth or fatigue.
  • Run tests, which may include:
    • Checking your blood for certain antibodies
    • Doing a lip biopsy to look for changes in your saliva glands
    • Measure how much moisture your eyes produce.

It is a bit of detective work to reach a Sjögren's diagnosis. But there is more hope every day, like better ways to diagnose through advanced biopsy techniques, now performed at Johns Hopkins.

Learn more about diagnosis: Q&A with our Rheumatologist

What treatments are available for Sjögren's?

Once you get a diagnosis, the goal is to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your doctor will help find the right regimen for you, but treatments often include: 
Artificial tears for your eyes
Special mouth rinses or lozenges for dryness
Some medications to help boost moisture production or calm down your immune system
Watch our video: Sjögren's Treatment

Is there a cure?

Not yet. But right now, Johns Hopkins leads the way in diagnosing and treating Sjögren's disease, a complex autoimmune disease with diverse and debilitating symptoms. At the Jerome L. Greene Sjögren's Disease Center, experts like rheumatologist Dr. Alan Baer are leading the way. Dr. Baer specializes in diagnosing and managing Sjögren's disease. Under his leadership, the center integrates advances diagnostic techniques, multidisciplinary care and cutting-edge research to better understand and treat this complex autoimmune disease.

Is there anything else that can help?

Absolutely. Small lifestyle changes can make a difference, including:

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Avoid overly salty or spicy foods.
  • Use a humidifier.
  • Get regular check-ups, which allows your care team to tweak your treatment, if needed.

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