Symptoms

Symptoms of Sjögren Syndrome

The most common symptoms of Sjögren syndrome include:

  • Dry eyes: Some people report feeling as though they have sand in their eyes. Dry eyes may also be accompanied by blurred vision and/or sensitivity to light.
  • Dry mouth: The dryness of the mouth that is associated with the syndrome is sometimes described as a feeling of having a mouth full of cotton. Some people may also have difficulty swallowing or talking.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Tingling of the arms or legs
  • Dry skin and/or skin rash
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Chronic, dry cough
  • Fatigue
  • Dry throat
  • Dry nasal passages

Complications of Sjögren syndrome

Most of the complications that are associated with Sjögren syndrome are caused by a lack of saliva, which normally protects the teeth and gums, or by a lack of tears, which protect the eye. The most common complications include:

  • Tooth decay or gingivitis
  • Eye infection or corneal damage
  • Sinus infection
  • Oral yeast infection (thrush)

Less common, but more serious complications may include:

  • Cancer of the lymph system (lymphoma)
  • Liver disease
  • Bronchitis or pneumonia