Overview
Sjögren’s disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets glands that make tears and saliva, causing dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also cause joint pain, fatigue and, less commonly, affect the lungs, kidneys, nerves or skin.
It may occur alone or with another autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Watch and learn
Video: “Sjögren's Syndrome - Disease Overview | Johns Hopkins” from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “Sjögren’s Syndrome : Signs and Symptoms” from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Symptoms
- Dry, gritty or burning eyes
- Dry mouth, trouble swallowing dry foods, dental cavities
- Joint pain and fatigue
- Swollen salivary glands
- Dry skin; numbness or tingling in some people
Causes and risk factors
- Autoimmune, with genetic and hormonal factors
- Much more common in women, often after age 40
How it is diagnosed
- Blood tests: ANA, anti-SSA (Ro) and anti-SSB (La) antibodies, RF, blood counts
- Eye tests (Schirmer test) and saliva flow tests
- Sometimes a lip (minor salivary gland) biopsy or salivary gland ultrasound
Treatment, step by step
Treatment is tailored to you. Medicines are described here in general terms; your rheumatologist will explain the specific options, benefits, risks and monitoring for your situation.
Lifestyle and self-care
Artificial tears, sipping water, sugar-free lozenges, humidifiers and dental care may help.
Disease-modifying medicines (DMARDs and biologics)
Hydroxychloroquine may help joint symptoms and fatigue. Other DMARDs or biologics are used for organ involvement.
Joint injections and infusions
Rarely, infusions are used for severe organ involvement. Infusions are currently given at a partner hospital; in-office infusions at GSMC are planned. Call 732-202-3000 for details.
Referral and team care
Care often includes ophthalmology and dentistry.
What to expect at GSMC
- Your first visit: a rheumatologist reviews your symptoms, history and medicines and examines your joints, skin and other areas.
- Tests: blood tests and imaging, as needed, to confirm the diagnosis and check how active the disease is.
- Your plan: we explain your options, including lifestyle steps and medicines, and how each is monitored.
- Follow-up: regular visits and lab checks to adjust treatment over time.
Shahzad Hussain, MD sees rheumatology patients in Brick, Toms River and Whiting. Call 732-202-3000 to schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sjögren’s serious?
For many people it mainly causes dryness and fatigue. Regular follow-up checks for less common organ involvement.
Why does it affect teeth?
Saliva protects teeth; dry mouth raises the risk of cavities, so dental visits matter.
Can it be cured?
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.