If you’re one of the millions living with Sjögren’s syndrome, you know it’s more than just dry eyes and a dry mouth. As an autoimmune condition primarily affecting moisture-producing glands, Sjögren’s can impact your daily life in various ways. Understanding your condition is the first step toward better management and quality of life.

What Exactly Is Sjögren’s Syndrome? Sjögren’s (pronounced SHOW-grins) syndrome occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s own tissues. While it primarily affects the glands that produce tears and saliva, it can impact other parts of your body too.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

The two main symptoms that most people experience are:

  • Dry eyes: You might feel a burning, itchy sensation or like there’s sand in your eyes
    Dry mouth: Your mouth might feel like it’s full of cotton, making speaking and swallowing challenging

But Sjögren’s can also cause:

  • Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
  • Swollen salivary glands (particularly behind your jaw and in front of your ears)
  • Skin rashes or dry skin
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Persistent dry cough
  • Prolonged fatigue

How is Sjoogren’s Diagnosed? Diagnosing Sjögren’s can be challenging because symptoms vary from person to person and can mimic other conditions. Your doctor might use several tests to confirm the diagnosis:

  • A detailed medical history and physical examination.
  • Blood tests
  • Eye tests
  • Other Tests May Include: Sialogram (special scan of salivary glands), Lip biopsy

Treatment Options While there’s no cure for Sjögren’s, several treatments can help manage symptoms.

Research plays a pivotal role in deepening our understanding of Sjögren’s Syndrome and paving the way for groundbreaking treatments. By participating in clinical studies, patients contribute to critical medical advancements and gain potential early access to cutting-edge therapies.

If you’re interested in learning more about Sjögren’s Syndrome or want to participate in ongoing research studies, we encourage you to join our VIP list! By signing up, you’ll receive:

  • Updates on the latest research developments.
  • Information on new treatment options.
  • Opportunities to participate in studies aimed at improving the lives of those affected by Sjögren’s Syndrome.

To learn more or join our VIP list, please contact us directly at study@overlakearthritis.com

Sjögren’s Syndrome is a complex condition that requires careful diagnosis and management. Staying informed and participating in research are proactive steps to improve your health and well-being. Together, we can enhance our understanding and treatment of Sjögren’s Syndrome, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Sjögren’s Syndrome. Your interest and involvement can make a meaningful difference in the research and treatment of this condition.