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Sjogren Syndrome (cont.)

Sjögren Syndrome Symptoms

The defining symptoms of Sjögren syndrome are dry eyes (xerophthalmia) and dry mouth (xerostomia). Other areas can be dry as well, such as the inside of the nose, the skin, the airways of the lungs, and the vagina. These symptoms often are referred to as the sicca (dryness) complex.

A dry mouth can cause:

Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Inability to eat dry foods, such as crackers, which stick on the roof the mouth
Cracked or sore tongue, or tongue sticking to the roof of the mouth
Dry, burning throat that leads to a dry cough
Awakening at night with the need for a drink of water
Difficulty speaking
Hoarseness
High incidence of dental decay and periodontal disease
Change in the sense of taste
Difficulty wearing dentures
Cracks in the corners of the mouth

Dry eyes can cause:

Red, itchy, or painful eyes
Gritty or sandy sensation in the eyes
Eyes matted and stuck closed on awakening
Blurry vision
Sensitivity to bright light

Almost every system of the body can be affected. Symptoms depend on which areas are affected and may include any of the following:

Painful swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands between your ear and the angle of your jaw
Severe tiredness (fatigue) - Can be severe enough to interfere with normal activities
Joint pain (arthralgia) and occasionally joint swelling (arthritis)
Painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Dry cough
Difficulty swallowing
Recurrent pneumonia
Acid reflux and heartburn
Severe abdominal pain - A sign of pancreatitis

Symptoms are mild in some people and very severe in others. Symptoms can vary over time and may improve, worsen, or even go away completely for periods of time.

Dry eyes and mouth do not always mean Sjögren syndrome. The symptoms are common and can be caused by other medical disorders, by some medications, and by anxiety. Dryness also may be a result of normal changes in glands and tissues that occur with aging.