Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect many body parts.  The most common symptoms are dryness in the eyes and mouth.  Other symptoms can include fatigue, joint pain, rashes, and occasional lung, kidney, liver, or nervous system involvement.

Diagnosis is made by listening to the patient’s symptoms, physical exam, and laboratory testing.  

Since Sjogren’s syndrome can affect many body systems, in addition to your rheumatologist, there is often a multi-disciplinary team approach that may include an eye specialist, dentist, an oral Medicine physician, your internal medicine physician, and sometimes other specialties.

Treatment, first and foremost, includes excellent health practices.  A healthy diet and smoking cessation are both helpful. Dietary supplements such as sources of omega-3 fatty acids can be helpful. Medications that cause drying side effects are avoided. Depending on the symptoms of Sjogren syndrome, prescribed medications from your rheumatologist can also be helpful.