Symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome
If you have questions about your dryness symptoms or any other physical changes that you may be experiencing, it is important to talk to your doctor.
Below is a list of symptoms that are associated with Sjögren’s syndrome. Consider each symptom and your daily behaviors, and decide if you are affected by any of the following:
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Dry eyes – Do you find yourself rubbing your eyes often? Do you use over-the-counter eye drops several times a day or more than the recommended amount?
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Dry mouth – Does your tongue stick to the sides or top of your mouth? Do you feel parched often? Do you always keep liquid nearby?
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Difficulty talking, chewing or swallowing – Does it ever hurt to chew food? Do you have trouble swallowing dry foods like crackers?
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Sore or cracked tongue – Does your tongue ever hurt or feel like sandpaper?
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Oral yeast infections, such as candidiasis
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Increased dental cavities – Have you been experiencing tooth decay more often even though you practice good oral hygiene?
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Extreme fatigue or drowsiness – Have you ever canceled plans or stopped what you’re doing because you felt too tired to keep going?
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Joint pain or soreness
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Vaginal dryness
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Skin dryness
Click Here for a printable version of this list
If you are experiencing more than one of the symptoms listed above, talk to your doctor. It is possible that your symptoms could be a sign of a more serious condition. Your doctor can find out what’s causing your symptoms and help you find ways to manage them effectively. Click here for a printable version of the list above that you can take with you to your next doctor’s appointment.
Conditions Associated with Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s is a serious condition, but it can be managed effectively with help and oversight from your doctor. Discuss your Sjögren’s symptoms with your doctor because in some cases certain co-morbidities (additional conditions associated with a disorder), may exist. Sometimes Sjögren’s is present along with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Additionally, some patients must be monitored carefully for development of internal organ involvement and other serious complications. While rare, the incidence of lymphomas (cancer of the lymph nodes), is higher in people with Sjögren’s compared to that of the general population.
