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Do you constantly feel dry eyes, dry mouth, and unexplained fatigue? These symptoms might seem minor or unrelated, but they could indicate Sjogren’s syndrome. This condition is more common than you think and is often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

What Is Sjogren’s Syndrome?

Sjogren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands. This results in hallmark symptoms like:

  • Dry eyes – leading to irritation, a gritty feeling, or burning sensations.
  • Dry mouth – causing difficulty swallowing, speaking, or an increased risk of dental issues.

But the symptoms don’t stop there.

Additional Symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome

Sjogren’s can affect other parts of the body, including:

  • Joints – causing inflammatory arthritis with joint pain and swelling.
  • Nerves – leading to neuropathy, with symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain.
  • Organs – such as the lungs and kidneys, which can suffer damage over time.

Other common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue – overwhelming exhaustion that doesn’t go away.
  • Swollen glands – particularly around the jaw or neck.
  • Digestive issues – heartburn or trouble absorbing nutrients.
  • Brain fog – difficulty concentrating or remembering details.
  • Skin problems – dry, itchy skin, rashes, or sun sensitivity.

Who Is at Risk for Sjogren’s?

Women over 40 are the most commonly affected group. However, men and younger people can also develop Sjogren’s. If you have a family history of autoimmune conditions, your risk may be higher.

Sjogren’s often occurs alongside other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. In such cases, it’s known as secondary Sjogren’s.

How Is Sjogren’s Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Sjogren’s can be tricky due to its overlapping symptoms with other conditions. A thorough evaluation includes:

  1. Medical History – Reviewing symptoms like dryness, fatigue, and joint pain.
  2. Physical Examination – Checking for swollen glands, dry skin, or joint inflammation.
  3. Blood Tests – Looking for specific antibodies such as SSA, SSB, ANA, and rheumatoid factor.
  4. Schirmer’s Test – Measuring tear production in your eyes.
  5. Salivary Gland Biopsy – Confirming inflammation in the salivary glands.
  6. Imaging Tests – Ultrasound or sialography to assess gland function.

In some cases, a lip biopsy may be performed to check for immune cell activity.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Without treatment, Sjogren’s can lead to:

  • Chronic dental issues (cavities and gum disease).
  • Vision problems from prolonged dry eyes.
  • Organ damage (kidney and lung complications).
  • Neurological issues (chronic numbness or tingling).

Early diagnosis helps reduce these risks and improve your overall quality of life.

Take Action If You Have Symptoms

If you’re experiencing dry eyes, dry mouth, unexplained fatigue, or other related symptoms, don’t ignore them. Consult a primary care physician or a rheumatologist for a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.

At Chicago Arthritis and Regenerative Medicine, Dr. Siddharth Tambar and his team specialize in diagnosing and managing autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s with cutting-edge, non-surgical care.

For more information, visit ChicagoArthritis.com and take control of your health today.


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