Sjogren Syndrome (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Sjögren Syndrome Overview
- Sjögren Syndrome Causes
- Sjögren Syndrome Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Sjögren Syndrome Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Sjogren Syndrome - Describe Your Experience
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.
Next: When to Seek Medical Care »
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Sjogren Syndrome »
Sjögren syndrome (SS) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in exocrine organs.
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