Sjögren’s Symptoms: Dry Eyes, Dry Mouth, and What Else to Watch For
When your eyes feel gritty and your mouth feels like cotton, it might not just be dehydration—it could be Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands. Also known as Sjögren’s disease, it often shows up in people over 40, especially women, and doesn’t always start with obvious signs. Many people ignore the early clues, thinking it’s just aging or too much screen time. But if you’re constantly reaching for eye drops or sipping water to swallow food, there’s a chance it’s more than coincidence.
Sjögren’s syndrome doesn’t just dry you out—it can trigger joint pain, inflammation that mimics arthritis and often shows up alongside dryness, and even fatigue, a deep, unrelenting tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest. Some people notice skin rashes, numbness in hands or feet, or trouble breathing if the lungs get involved. It’s not rare, but it’s underdiagnosed because symptoms show up slowly and overlap with other conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. That’s why tracking your symptoms over time matters more than a single visit to the doctor.
What makes Sjögren’s tricky is that it doesn’t follow a script. One person might have severe dry eyes and barely any joint pain. Another might struggle with swollen salivary glands and constant throat infections. The common thread? Your body’s moisture factories are being targeted. And while there’s no cure, knowing the signs early helps you manage it better—before it affects your teeth, eyesight, or daily comfort.
Below, you’ll find real-world stories and medical insights from people who’ve lived with these symptoms. You’ll see what works, what doesn’t, and how others learned to spot the warning signs before things got worse. This isn’t just theory—it’s what people actually experience when Sjögren’s shows up in their lives.
Sjögren’s Syndrome: What It Is, How It Affects Your Body, and How to Manage It
Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks moisture-producing glands, causing chronic dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and joint pain. Learn how it’s diagnosed, treated, and why it’s often missed.
Popular posts
