Complications and Comorbidities

Sjögren’s disease causes more than discomfort. Over time, the dryness and inflammation it creates can lead to other health problems, called complications. Most complications of Sjögren’s syndrome involve the eyes and mouth. Less often, the disease affects organs like the lungs and kidneys. Knowing what to watch for can help you and your doctor catch problems early.¹

Dental problems

Saliva does important work. It helps protect your teeth from the bacteria that cause cavities. When Sjögren’s lowers your saliva, that protection drops. As a result, you may have:^1,2

• More cavities – A dry mouth makes tooth decay more likely.
• Tooth loss – Dry mouth raises the risk of losing teeth.
• Mouth infections – You are much more likely to get oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth.

Regular dental visits and good oral care can help protect your teeth.²

Eye problems

Dry eyes are more than irritating. Without enough tears, the surface of the eye can be harmed. Dry eyes can lead to:¹

• Light sensitivity – Bright light may bother your eyes.
• Blurred vision – Dryness can make it hard to see clearly.
• Corneal damage – The cornea is the clear front layer of the eye, and lasting dryness can injure it.

Organ involvement

In some people, the inflammation of Sjögren’s reaches beyond the moisture glands. It can affect the lungs, kidneys, liver, blood vessels, pancreas, and brain. Inflammation may cause pneumonia or bronchitis in the lungs, reduce kidney function, or lead to hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.^1,2

Sjögren’s can also affect the nerves. Some people develop numbness, tingling, and burning in the hands and feet. This is called peripheral neuropathy.¹

Tell your doctor about any new symptoms that you may have. Treating organ problems early may prevent lasting damage.³

Lymphoma risk

Many people with Sjögren’s worry about lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph nodes. Here is what the research shows: People with Sjögren’s have a higher chance of developing lymphoma than people without the disease. But the risk is low, and only a small percentage of people with Sjögren’s ever develop it.^1,4

This is a fear worth taking seriously but keeping in perspective. Your doctor will watch for warning signs, such as swollen lymph nodes that do not go away. Ask your doctor what monitoring is right for you.^1,4

Overlapping diseases

Sjögren’s often keeps company with other autoimmune diseases. About half of people with Sjögren’s also have another autoimmune connective tissue disease. Common overlapping conditions include:^3,4

• Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune disease that attacks the joints.
• Lupus – An autoimmune disease that can affect many organs.
• Scleroderma – An autoimmune disease that hardens the skin and connective tissue.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon – A condition that makes fingers and toes turn cold and change color.

If you have one of these conditions, your healthcare team will work together to manage them alongside your Sjögren’s.

Lowering your risk of complications

You cannot prevent every complication, but you are not powerless. Early diagnosis and proper treatment may prevent serious complications and greatly improve quality of life.³

Keep up with your medical, dental, and eye appointments. Report new or changing symptoms, even if they seem unrelated to dryness.

Talk to your doctor

Reading about complications can feel scary. Remember that many people with Sjögren’s never develop serious problems, and symptoms range from mild to more severe. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk and the warning signs that matter most for you.³