Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition. This means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. 

Usually, it first targets the glands that make tears and saliva, causing a dry mouth and dry eyes.  

It can also affect the joints, muscles, nerves and other organs.

• Dry eyes - can feel gritty or burning 
• Dry mouth - which can make it difficult to swallow or speak 
• Prolonged fatigue 
• Painful, swollen joints   
• Swollen painful salivary glands  
• Dry nose, throat, vagina, skin

Sjögren's can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms vary between people and individual symptoms can seem similar to other conditions. Your doctor will need to ask you about your symptoms, do a physical examination and some blood tests. They may test your tear and saliva production.

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, getting enough sleep, staying active, and finding ways to reduce stress can all help you feel better. Over time, as you find the right treatments and routines that work for you, your symptoms may become easier to manage. 

Look after your eyes: 

• Regular visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist
• Use preservative-free artificial tears frequently every day, even if you don’t have symptoms
• When reading, or looking at screens, take blink breaks to rest and stabilise the surface of your eyes
• Wear wraparound sunglasses when you’re outside on sunny or windy days 

Look after your mouth: 

• Brush your teeth and floss after every meal
• Regular visits to the dentist 
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva
• Eat smaller meals more often
• Use artificial saliva, or lozenges to relieve mouth dryness
• Increase your fluid intake. Take regular sips of water throughout the day
• Avoid coffee and alcohol as they can make your mouth symptoms worse

Look after your skin:

• Use lip balm for dry, cracked lips
• Use moisturiser immediately after your bath or shower while the skin is still damp
• Straight after swimming, shower and use moisturiser to reduce dry skin symptoms
• Sjögren’s patients who react to the sun should be especially careful to use sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• Avoid drying conditions - drafts from heaters, air conditioners, dusty/windy weather
• Try using a humidifier to help combat nasal and sinus dryness associated with Sjögren’s
• Don’t smoke. Smoking can further dry your mouth
• Physical activity to keep your muscles strong and your joints moving
• Balance of activity and rest 
• Stress management
• Listen to your body. Do not take on more than you can handle, and pay attention to new symptoms, or symptoms that get worse, and tell your doctor 

More than 90% of people with Sjögren's syndrome are female and usually get diagnosed between the age of 45 and 60. Sjögren's syndrome has been known to be triggered by viral infections, stress, and hormonal changes.

There is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome. Common symptoms are treated with specific medications to manage the symptoms such as dry mouth, eyes and other areas. People commonly use artificial tears, saliva producers, vaginal lubricants and skin moisturisers. Immune-suppressing drugs may be used for those with complications affecting other parts of the body.

• It often takes several years for someone to be diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. Some people are initially being treated by an optometrist, dentist and doctor for dryness in different parts of their body. Make sure you let your GP know if have dry eyes and then begin to develop dryness in other parts of your body, especially in the mouth, throat, and skin
• There is a lot you can do to look after yourself. Use moisturisers wherever you need them: artificial tears, saliva substitutes, vaginal lubricants and skin moisturisers
• Symptoms should get less severe as you find treatments that work for you
• Listen to your body. Do not take on more than you can handle

Clinically reviewed in 2025.