What Is Sjögren’s Disease?

Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune disease. That means the immune system, which normally fights infection, attacks healthy parts of the body by mistake. In Sjögren’s, the immune system attacks the tear and salivary glands that make moisture. As a result, the eyes and mouth become dry. The disease can also affect other parts of the body, such as the joints, lungs, kidneys, and nerves.^1,2

You may also see this condition called Sjögren’s syndrome. It is the same disease.

How to say Sjögren’s, and why the name changed

Sjögren’s is said, “SHOW-grins.” The disease is named after Henrik Sjögren, the Swedish eye doctor who first fully described it.^1,3

For many years, doctors called it Sjögren’s syndrome. But many people felt “syndrome” made it sound like a vague collection of symptoms instead of a serious, whole-body disease. So an international group of doctors, researchers, and people with Sjögren’s agreed to retire the old name. Their decision, called the 2023 International Rome consensus, was published in 2025. Sjögren’s disease is now the official name.^3,4

Sjögren’s is more than dry eyes and dry mouth

Dry eyes and dry mouth are the 2 main symptoms. But Sjögren’s is a systemic disease, which means it can affect the whole body.^2,5
Along with dryness, Sjögren’s can cause:^2,5

• Fatigue – Many people feel deep, lasting tiredness.
• Joint and muscle pain – Aching joints and muscles are common. Inflammatory arthritis can occur, causing joint swelling similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
• Organ effects – The disease can affect the lungs, kidneys, liver, blood vessels, and nervous system.

Symptoms differ a lot from person to person. Some people have mild discomfort. Others have debilitating symptoms that greatly affect daily life.^2,5

Primary and associated Sjögren’s

Sjögren’s can happen on its own or alongside another autoimmune disease:⁵

• Sjögren’s alone – About half of people have Sjögren’s by itself.
• Sjögren’s with another disease – The other half have it along with a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or scleroderma.

Doctors used to call the second type “secondary Sjögren’s.” That term has been dropped. The disease is now called Sjögren’s disease, whether or not you have another condition. When it appears with another autoimmune disease, doctors may call it “associated” Sjögren’s.^3,4

How common is Sjögren’s?

Sjögren’s is often thought of as rare, but it is not. An estimated 4 million Americans are living with the disease. That makes it one of the most common autoimmune diseases.⁵

A few patterns stand out:^1,2,5

• Mostly affects women – About 9 of every 10 people diagnosed are women.
• Often diagnosed in midlife – It is most common in people in their 40s and 50s, though it can start at any age.
• Affects people of all races and ethnicities – Sjögren’s occurs in people of all races and ethnic backgrounds. A growing number of men and children are also diagnosed.

What is the outlook?

There is no cure for Sjögren’s yet. But there are several ways to treat and manage the symptoms.²

The disease does not follow a single path. Symptoms may remain steady, worsen over time, or cycle between mild and severe periods.^2,5
Early diagnosis and proper treatment matter. They may prevent serious complications and greatly improve quality of life⁵

Talk to your doctor

If you have ongoing dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, or joint pain, talk to your doctor. Sjögren’s can mimic other conditions, so it has a higher chance of being overlooked or misdiagnosed. Getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward care that fits you. You are not alone, and support is available.⁵