Yes, Sjögren's syndrome has a strong genetic link, meaning it can run in families, but it's not directly inherited like a simple genetic disorder; instead, people inherit a predisposition, often combined with environmental triggers like viruses or bacteria, that activate the autoimmune response. Having relatives with Sjögren's or other autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) increases your risk.
Sjögren's syndrome happens when your immune system attacks the glands that produce fluid. It's not clear why this happens, but it may be: linked to certain genes. related to certain hormones.
Because your body has trouble producing saliva, you may experience difficulty swallowing when symptoms flare up. Your mouth may feel chalky, and you may have trouble swallowing food. Many people with Sjogren's develop cavities and oral infections.
In conclusion, people with Sjogren's syndrome should avoid or limit alcohol, spicy foods, citrus fruits, caffeine, and fried foods. While there is no specific diet that can cure Sjogren's, avoiding these foods can help reduce symptoms and improve overall health.
If Sjogren's syndrome goes untreated, symptoms can get worse over time and cause complications. The most common issues include severe dry eyes and dry mouth, which can cause discomfort, eye infections, corneal ulcers, dental problems like cavities and gum disease, and an increased risk of oral infections.
Dry mouth.
Nipocalimab is the first and only investigational therapy granted U.S. FDA breakthrough therapy designation for the treatment of adults living with moderate-to-severe Sjögren's disease [news release]. Johnson & Johnson. 2024 Nov 11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act ().
While many patients experience dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue and joint pain, Sjögren's can also cause dysfunction of organs such as the kidneys, gastrointestinal system, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system.
Vitamin D,also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is crucial for individuals with Sjögren's as it regulates the immune system and reduces inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency was shown to increase the risk of autoimmune disease by 22%.
It has been reported that more than 400 drugs can exacerbate the dryness symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, including antihypertensives, diuretics, antidepressants, antiparkinson drugs, antipsychotics, antihistamines, centrally acting analgesics, and anticholinergics [6], [13], [14], [15].
In Sjögren's disease, this type of arthritis usually affects the fingers, wrists and ankles. The shoulders, hips and knees may also be painful. Some patients with Sjögren's disease may have joint paint as a result of fibromyalgia.
SARS-CoV-2 may trigger the development or progression of autoimmune diseases, as evidenced by increased autoantibodies in patients and the presentation of cardinal symptoms of SjD.
Start with five minutes of aerobic exercise daily (e.g. walking, biking, running, elliptical, treadmill) and increase the duration by an additional two-to-three minutes each month up to a maximum of 25 minutes daily. If you have a heart or lung condition, consult your doctor first.
Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease that targets exocrine glands, leading to exocrine dysfunction. Due to its propensity to infect epithelial and B cells, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is hypothesized to be related with pSS.
Several celebrities have continued their careers while raising awareness for Sjogren's syndrome, including tennis champion Venus Williams, Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba, musician Solange Knowles, and artist Halsey, who openly discuss their experiences with this condition, helping to reduce stigma and ...
Many people with Sjögren's notice problems with their skin, hair, or nails. These may include: Skin that's dry, itchy, red, scaly, or cracked.
Some people with Sjögren's have a related autoimmune condition (pernicious anemia) that impairs vitamin B12 absorption. This can be tested by your physician. Routine B12 supplementation is not necessary unless one adheres to a strict vegan diet.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Vitamin A
Your parotid (mumps) glands may slowly, but painlessly swell due to blocked saliva ducts.
While both lupus and Sjogren's syndrome can cause more severe systemic involvement, people with Sjogren's usually have a better prognosis than those with lupus. Generally, people with Sjogren's syndrome have a less severe disease process than those with lupus, but there are exceptions.
Scientists aren't certain why some people develop Sjogren's syndrome. Certain genes put people at higher risk of the disorder, but it appears that a triggering mechanism — such as infection with a particular virus or strain of bacteria — is also necessary.
Nuts, leafy greens, fatty fish, avocados, olive oil, whole grains, and foods prepared with turmeric, garlic, or ginger have proven to benefit some individuals. To alleviate symptoms, some patients avoid red meat, alcohol, smoking, processed or fried foods, and refined grains as well as safflower, corn, and canola oils.
If scaly, dry skin is present, utilizing moisturizers with lactic acid, urea, or salicylic acid can be used. Examples include: AmLactin®, CeraVe® SA, and Eucerin® Roughness Relief.
Nipocalimab is the only investigational treatment to be granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for SjD (November 2024). It also received Fast Track Designation by the U.S. FDA earlier this year in April 2025.