Sjögren’s Disease Symptoms

Sjögren’s disease affects people in different ways. The 2 main symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth. But Sjögren’s is a whole-body disease, so it can cause many other symptoms, too. Some people have mild dryness. Others deal with deep fatigue, pain, and effects on their organs.^1-3

This article walks through the common symptoms of Sjögren’s and explains why they can change over time.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes happen because the immune system attacks the glands that make tears. Without enough tears, your eyes cannot stay moist and protected.¹

Dry eyes may feel like:¹

• Burning or itching – Your eyes may sting or feel irritated.
• Grittiness – Many people say it feels like sand is in the eye.
• Blurry vision or light sensitivity – Dryness can blur your sight or make bright light hard to take in.

Your eyelids may also become red and itchy from inflammation.¹

Dry mouth

Dry mouth happens when the glands that make saliva are damaged. Saliva does more than keep your mouth wet. It helps you taste, swallow, and protect your teeth.^1,2

With dry mouth, you may notice:^1,2

• A dry, chalky feeling – Your mouth may feel like it is full of cotton.
• Trouble swallowing, speaking, or tasting – Food and words can be harder to manage.
• More dental problems – Without enough saliva, you may get more cavities and mouth infections, such as thrush.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most common and most challenging symptoms of Sjögren’s. It is more than normal tiredness. Many people describe a profound, lasting fatigue, and for some, it is severe enough to be debilitating.^1,3

This kind of fatigue can make work, chores, and time with family harder. If you feel this way, your tiredness is real and worth talking about with your doctor. This type of fatigue is difficult to treat.

Joint and muscle pain

Pain is common in Sjögren’s. Some people report debilitating pain along with their fatigue. You may have:^1,4

• Joint pain and stiffness – Your joints may ache, swell, or feel stiff.
• Muscle aches – Muscles can feel sore, and some people have muscle weakness.

Skin and visible symptoms

Sjögren’s can affect your skin and the glands near your face. You may notice:^1,2,5

• Dry skin – Skin can feel rough or itchy.
• Rashes – Rashes may appear on the skin of the hands or feet.
• Swollen glands – The glands around your face and neck may swell.

Other symptoms

Because Sjögren’s is systemic, it can cause symptoms across the body, including:¹

• Dryness in other areas – Your nose, throat, and genitals may also feel dry.
• A lasting dry cough – Dry airways can lead to a cough that does not go away.
• Brain fog – Some people have poor concentration and memory problems.
• Numbness or tingling – You may feel this in your hands or feet, especially in the extremities.
• Trouble sleeping – Many people with Sjögren’s have a hard time sleeping.

In some cases, Sjögren’s affects other organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, and liver. These effects need a doctor’s care.^1,3

Why symptoms vary so much

No 2 people with Sjögren’s have the exact same experience. For some, dry mouth is the main problem. For others, it is dry eyes, and some people have both problems equally.¹

Symptoms can also cycle. You may have mild periods followed by times when symptoms get worse. This up-and-down pattern can make it hard to predict how you will feel.¹

Talk to your doctor

If you have ongoing dryness, fatigue, or pain, talk to your doctor. Sjögren’s can mimic other conditions and diseases, so it has a higher chance of being overlooked or misdiagnosed. Tracking your symptoms and sharing them can help you get the right diagnosis and care. You do not have to manage these symptoms on your own.³