In short
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which lymphocytes infiltrate and destroy the moisture-producing glands — chiefly the tear and salivary glands.
- Category
- Connective Tissue Disease
- Seen first as
- Gritty, burning eyes as if sand is trapped under the lids
- Treated with
- Structured dryness management
What is Sjögren's Syndrome?
It is far more than dryness. Fatigue, joint pain, neuropathy, kidney tubular problems, lung disease and a genuinely increased risk of lymphoma make it a systemic condition requiring long-term surveillance.
It occurs on its own (primary) or alongside rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or scleroderma (secondary), and disproportionately affects middle-aged women.
IllustrativeSymptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome
Early signs
- Gritty, burning eyes as if sand is trapped under the lids
- Dry mouth needing water to swallow dry food such as chapati or biscuits
- Rapidly increasing dental cavities and gum disease
- Dry throat, hoarseness or a persistent dry cough
- Joint pain and profound fatigue
If left untreated
- Recurrent parotid or submandibular gland swelling
- Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
- Numbness or burning of hands and feet (small fibre neuropathy)
- Purpuric rash on the legs, or Raynaud's phenomenon
- Persistent gland enlargement or lymph node swelling — needs lymphoma evaluation
Causes & risk factors
- Autoimmune lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands
- Anti-Ro (SSA) and anti-La (SSB) antibody production
- Genetic HLA associations and female hormonal influence
- Possible viral triggers in susceptible individuals
- Association with other autoimmune disease, including thyroid disease
How Sjögren's Syndrome is diagnosed
No single test diagnoses a rheumatic disease. The diagnosis comes from combining the pattern of symptoms, the examination findings, and only the investigations that answer a specific question.
IllustrativeAnti-Ro (SSA) and anti-La (SSB) antibodies
The key serological markers. Anti-Ro also matters in pregnancy because of the risk of neonatal lupus and congenital heart block.
Schirmer's test and ocular staining
Objective measurement of tear production and of corneal surface damage, done with ophthalmology input.
Unstimulated salivary flow and gland imaging
Salivary flow rate, ultrasound of the parotid and submandibular glands, or sialography where needed.
Minor salivary gland biopsy
A small lip biopsy showing focal lymphocytic sialadenitis, the most definitive test in seronegative but clinically convincing cases.
Systemic screening
Kidney function and urine pH for renal tubular acidosis, lung imaging, immunoglobulins, complement and cryoglobulins. Low C4 and cryoglobulinaemia are lymphoma risk markers.
Treatment options
IllustrativeStructured dryness management
Preservative-free artificial tears, gels at night, ciclosporin eye drops, and punctal plugs for refractory dryness — coordinated with an ophthalmologist.
Saliva stimulation and oral protection
Pilocarpine or cevimeline, sugar-free gum, frequent sips of water, high-fluoride toothpaste and dental review every six months. Dental preservation is a core part of treatment.
Hydroxychloroquine
For joint pain, fatigue and rash, the standard systemic agent for non-organ-threatening disease.
Immunosuppression for systemic involvement
Steroids, azathioprine, mycophenolate or rituximab where there is neuropathy, lung, kidney or vasculitic disease.
Lymphoma surveillance
Annual review of gland size, lymph nodes, immunoglobulins and complement. Persistent one-sided gland swelling is investigated promptly rather than watched.
Medicine guides
How to take them, side effects, blood tests and pregnancy, for the medicines most often used for this condition.
Seek urgent medical attention if you have
- Persistent, firm, one-sided swelling of a salivary gland
- New enlarged lymph nodes, night sweats or weight loss
- Sudden vision change or severe eye pain
- Numbness, weakness or a new purpuric rash
- Unexplained muscle weakness or paralysis from hypokalaemia (renal tubular acidosis)
Do not wait for a scheduled appointment for any of the above. Call the clinic on +91 70571 19999 or attend the nearest emergency department.
Frequently asked questions about Sjögren's Syndrome
Are dry eyes always Sjögren's?
Does Sjögren's cause cancer?
Does it affect pregnancy?
Get an expert opinion on Sjögren's Syndrome in Pune
Consultations at the Ravet clinic in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Bring your previous reports — a properly reviewed history usually saves repeating tests.
Part of a wider group
Autoimmune & Connective Tissue DiseaseMulti-system disease where the complications that matter are silent early.How sjögren's syndrome is treated at the clinic
Sjögren's Syndrome is managed under autoimmune & connective tissue disease — the same pathway, targets and monitoring schedule described in full on that page.
Related conditions
Lupus (SLE)
A multi-system autoimmune disease where early kidney screening changes the entire prognosis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Symmetric small-joint swelling that responds best when treated within the first 12 weeks.
Raynaud's Phenomenon
Usually harmless, but sometimes the first sign of autoimmune disease years in advance.
Scleroderma
Skin tightening that signals a disease needing yearly heart and lung surveillance.