Sjögren's syndrome (or Sjögren's disease, as it is increasingly called) is a systemic autoimmune condition that can lead to various complications, or "secondary problems," beyond its primary symptoms of dry eyes and mouth. These problems arise from the immune system attacking other healthy tissues and organs throughout the body.
Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms of Sjögren's disease. Multiple joints are painful, usually episodically with periods of joint pain, known as “flares”, followed by periods of little or no joint pain. Tenderness and swelling of the joints, when present, are indicative of inflammatory arthritis.
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.
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].
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.
Sjogren's is always systemic. Sjogren's should never be viewed as a nuisance sicca (dryness) disease. Both sicca and systemic (non-sicca) features may cause irreversible damage and disability. Some systemic manifestations and comorbidities can result in premature death.
Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is crucial for individuals with Sjogren's Syndrome as it regulates the immune system and reduces inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency was shown to increase the risk of autoimmune disease by 22%.
There may be times when your symptoms get worse (flare-ups) and times when they're better (remission). It's not known exactly why this happens, but it's thought that certain things, such as overdoing it and not resting enough, may trigger your symptoms or make them worse.
However, widely used herbs — including spirulina, elderberry, ashwagandha, chlorella, echinacea, and alfalfa — possess immunostimulatory properties that can worsen autoimmune symptoms, posing risks to patients with conditions like DM and CLE.
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.
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.
Keep Your Eyes Moist
Regardless of the type of contacts you wear, avoid keeping them in your eyes for too long, and don't wear them overnight. You can talk to your ophthalmologist about when to take them out to avoid eye injury. Also, try alternating between contact lenses and glasses to prevent dryness.
Drag moisture into your skin by using products that contain chemicals such as urea, glycerin, lactic or similar “metabolic” or alpha-hydroxy acids, such as AmLactin® cream or Carmol® and Cerave (a dermatologist recommended body cream specifically for severely dry skin).
Conclusions A large number of patients with Sjögren's syndrome, but also relatively many people in the general population, reported crying problems, such as a reduced ability to cry with tears, frustration of the reduced ability to cry with tears, and physical consequences of crying.
Patients with Sjögren disease may commonly have root, cervical, or incisal/cuspal tip dental caries, accumulation of plaque, gingivitis, and/or periodontitis. Sjögren disease may also be associated with the following oral health complications: Oral infections such as candidiasis.
Sjögren syndrome is a chronic systemic rheumatic disease that is characterized by excessive dryness of the eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes. White blood cells damage glands that make moisture, and sometimes other organs can be damaged. Dry mouth and dry eyes are the hallmark symptoms of this syndrome.
Anti-Inflammatory Eye Drops
For severe dry eye syndrome, your ophthalmologist may prescribe cyclosporine eye drops twice a day. Commonly known as Restasis®, these drops decrease inflammation in the lacrimal glands, which produce tears, and can be used long term.
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.
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.
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.
Vitamin A
Are patients with Sjögren's Immunocompromised/Immunosuppressed? Not all Sjögren's patients have compromised immune systems. This specific risk factor is for those who regularly take drugs to suppress the immune system.
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 ...
Final nomenclature consensus was reached as follows: The term Sjögren's Disease should replace Sjögren's Syndrome. Sjögren's without disease is an acceptable way to refer to the disease, especially once it's been cited as Sjögren's Disease. The acronym SjD should be used as an abbreviation for Sjögren's Disease.