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Sjögren’s syndrome | healthdirect
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}; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sjogrens-syndrome"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sjogrens-syndrome"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2>Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks the glands that produce your tears, saliva and sweat.</li> <li>Symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome include dry eyes, dry mouth and swelling of the glands in the face and neck areas.</li> <li>The exact cause of Sjögren's syndrome is unknown, though there seems to be a genetic influence.</li> <li>To diagnose Sjögren's syndrome, you doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, examine you and may recommend various medical tests.</li> <li>There is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome but there are many treatments available to help relieve symptoms.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What is Sjögren's syndrome?</a></li> <li><a href="#symptoms">What are the symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What causes Sjögren's syndrome?</a></li> <li><a href="#doctor">When should I see my doctor?</a></li> <li><a href="#diagnosed">How is Sjögren's syndrome diagnosed?</a></li> <li><a href="#treated">How is Sjögren's syndrome treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#prevented">Can Sjögren's syndrome be prevented?</a></li> <li><a href="#complications">Complications of Sjögren's syndrome</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What is Sjögren's syndrome?</h2> <p>Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells. It typically attacks the glands that produce tears, saliva and sweat. Other parts of the body may also be affected.</p> <p>If you have Sjögren's syndrome you will most likely be able to live normally without any serious complications, especially if you take care to manage your symptoms.</p> <h2 id="symptoms">What are the symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome?</h2> <p>People with Sjögren's syndrome can have:</p> <ul> <li>dry eyes, which may also feel a painful, burning, itchy or gritty</li> <li>a dry mouth, making it difficult to swallow, speak or eat dry foods</li> <li>swelling of the glands in the face and neck areas</li> </ul> <p>Some people with Sjögren's syndrome also notice:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/joint-pain-and-swelling">joint pain, swelling and stiffness</a></li> <li>dry skin or skin rash</li> <li><a href="/vaginal-dryness">vaginal dryness</a></li> <li>persistent dry <a href="/cough">cough</a></li> <li>ongoing <a href="/fatigue">fatigue</a></li> </ul> <p>Sometimes the <a href="/liver">liver</a> and <a href="/kidneys">kidneys</a> are affected. A few people will also develop <a href="/lymphoma">lymphoma</a> (cancer of the <a href="/lymph-nodes">lymph nodes</a>).</p> <a href="/symptom-checker" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_user-md"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS</strong> — Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Symptom Checker</strong> and find out if you need to seek medical help.</p> </a> <h2 id="causes">What causes Sjögren's syndrome?</h2> <p>The exact cause of Sjögren's syndrome is unknown, though there seems to be a genetic influence. It is more common in:</p> <ul> <li>females</li> <li>people over 40 years of age</li> <li>people who have rheumatic diseases, such as <a href="/rheumatoid-arthritis">rheumatoid arthritis</a> or <a href="/lupus">lupus</a></li> <li>people with a family history of other autoimmune conditions</li> </ul> <p>It is thought that factors such as viral infections, <a href="/stress">stress</a> and <a href="/hormones">hormone</a> changes can trigger symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome.</p> <h2 id="doctor">When should I see my doctor?</h2> <p><strong>If you experience any of the</strong> symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome you should see your doctor. This includes dry eyes, dry mouth or swelling of the glands in the face and neck areas.</p> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="diagnosed">How is Sjögren's syndrome diagnosed?</h2> <p>In order to diagnose Sjögren's syndrome, you doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and <a href="/physical-examination-by-a-doctor">examine you</a>. Your doctor may also refer you for tests such as:</p> <ul> <li>Schirmer's test — to check whether the eyes are producing enough tears</li> <li><a href="/blood-testing">blood tests</a> — to check for antibodies common in Sjögren's syndrome</li> <li>imaging of your salivary glands — to see how the salivary glands are working</li> <li>lip <a href="/biopsy">biopsy</a> — a small sliver of tissue from the lip is sent for testing in a laboratory</li> </ul> <a href="/question-builder" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_question"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>ASK YOUR DOCTOR</strong> — Preparing for an appointment? Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Question Builder</strong> for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.</p> </a> <h2 id="treated">How is Sjögren's syndrome treated?</h2> <p>There is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome. Treatments are used to relieve symptoms and can involve medicines to increase the production of saliva and treat complications.</p> <p>Your doctor may recommend surgery for some people to reduce the quantity of tears drained from the eyes, so your eyes stay more moist.</p> <p>Your doctor may also prescribe medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or medicines that suppress the immune system.</p> <p>It is important to see your doctor or rheumatologist (joint specialist) regularly to make sure the condition stays well-managed.</p> <p>There are also ways you can manage your symptoms:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Dry eyes</strong> — Use artificial tears or an <a href="/dry-eye-disease">eye lubricant</a>; regular check-ups with an <a href="/ophthalmologist">ophthalmologist</a> (eye specialist), wear protective eye wear to avoid exposure to the wind or sun.</li> <li><strong>Dry mouth</strong> — Have frequent sips of water; avoid drinking alcohol and use artificial saliva, mouth rinses, sugarless gum or lozenges. Keep your mouth healthy by limiting your <a href="/sugar">sugar</a> intake and have regular <a href="/dental-check-up">check-ups with a dentist</a>.</li> <li><strong>General dryness</strong> — Increase indoor humidity; use preservative-free moisturiser for your skin; avoid drying conditions such as draughts from heaters and air conditioners, use a saline spray for a dry nose and avoid exposure to dusty or windy weather.</li> </ul> <h2 id="prevented">Can Sjögren's syndrome be prevented?</h2> <p>Sjögren's syndrome cannot be prevented, but there are things you can do to manage your symptoms.</p> <h2 id="complications">Complications of Sjögren's syndrome</h2> <p>Complications of Sjögren's syndrome include:</p> <ul> <li>increased risk of <a href="/dental-problems">dental problems</a></li> <li>increased risk of <a href="/oral-thrush">oral thrush</a></li> <li>vision problems</li> <li>inflammation of your internal organs such as your kidneys, lungs or liver</li> <li>problems with your circulatory and nervous system</li> </ul> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p>Read more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of Sjögren's syndrome on the <a target="_blank" aria-label="Link opens in a new tab" href="https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/sjogrens-syndrome/">Arthritis Australia</a> and Musculoskeletal Australia websites.</p> <p>Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.</p></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://www.garvan.org.au" target="_blank" title="Garvan Institute of Medical Research">Garvan Institute of Medical Research</a> <em>(Sjögren's syndrome)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://msk.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Musculoskeletal Australia">Musculoskeletal Australia</a> <em>(Understanding Sjögren's syndrome)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/" target="_blank" title="Arhtiritis Australia">Arhtiritis Australia</a> <em>(Sjögren's syndrome)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: April 2024</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main> <!--<button class="main_content-article-btn-read-full">Read full article <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-article-btn-read-full-icon"></i></button>--> <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Autoimmune Diseases" title="Search results for:Autoimmune Diseases">Autoimmune Diseases</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Rheumatoid Arthritis" title="Search results for:Rheumatoid Arthritis">Rheumatoid Arthritis</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section> <!-- <content-feedback class="veyron-component" feedbackurl="https://healthdirect.au1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0cQyjgUEO6gU3GZ&Page=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sjogrens-syndrome"></content-feedback> --> <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="13"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/sjogrens-syndrome" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|75a077ec-2d4f-4679-a62c-b77a4f0337d5"> <h3>Sjogren’s syndrome - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Sjogren’s syndrome can be managed with medications and products such as artificial tears and saliva.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://muscha.org/sjogrens-syndrome/" data-partner-url="partners/musculoskeletal-health-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|42c5aa4e-4f0b-4d4f-ac9d-807f2cdebcc3"> <h3>Sjogren's Syndrome — Causes, Symptoms, & More | MSK Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Do you have Sjogren’s syndrome? Find out more about your musculoskeletal condition, where to find support & how MSK can help you. Call us: 1800 263 265</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Musculoskeletal Health Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Musculoskeletal Health Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mha-logo---horizontal-transparent(1)-c25236.png"> </a> <a href="https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/sjogrens-syndrome/" data-partner-url="partners/arthritis-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3d6b4e42-3d8e-4396-82b1-cc3bbe590015"> <h3>Sjögren’s syndrome — Arthritis Australia</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Arthritis Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Arthritis Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Arthritis-Australia_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/eye-health/sjogrens-syndrome/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|2e866641-e8d5-4b19-899e-79d1637920bf"> <h3>Sjogren's syndrome - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Sjögren’s syndrome - also known as Sjogren syndrome - is a chronic (ongoing) disease that typically results in symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth. It is caused by problems with the immune system.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dry-mouth" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|de079b6f-8efd-40f2-8e79-6268e6b8c33c"> <h3>Dry mouth - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>A dry mouth is a symptom of an underlying problem, rather than a disease in itself.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/primary-biliary-cirrhosis" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|62b67f87-fd92-48c7-912d-0ca88bfe1c5f"> <h3>Primary biliary cirrhosis - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune condition characterised by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts within the liver.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/eye-health/dry-eye/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|dbd1e161-2dff-43ba-8a79-02fb38b67086"> <h3>Dry eye - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Dry eye is a term used when the eye does not produce tears that lubricate the eye adequately. The eye may feel dry, gritty and sore, but not painful.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/neonatal-lupus-erythematosus/" data-partner-url="partners/australasian-college-of-dermatologists" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|bbb3125a-b6c7-4f6d-a506-eb251bac07bf"> <h3>ACD A-Z of Skin - Neonatal lupus erythematosus</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Neonatal lupus is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when an antibody is transferred from the mother to the baby.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australasian College of Dermatologists" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ACD_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.dermcoll.edu.au/atoz/raynaud-phenomenon/" data-partner-url="partners/australasian-college-of-dermatologists" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|d53941f9-4bfa-4451-a995-b79612f18c52"> <h3>ACD A-Z of Skin - Raynaud phenomenon</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Raynaud phenomenon is an intermittent constriction of the blood flow to the fingers and toes precipitated by cold, emotion and some drugs that cause spasm of the small arteries bringing blood to the fingers and toes.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australasian College of Dermatologists" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ACD_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/polymyositis" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|73e90489-f601-4e5a-9492-66286e9a7ef0"> <h3>Polymyositis - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Polymyositis is hard to diagnose and may be mistaken for muscular dystrophy.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="1"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Antinuclear+antibodies+%28ANA%29" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|4f1718f6-e494-4927-ab1e-ef0cb85e6fd9"> <h3>Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The Antinuclear Ab test identifies the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in the blood. 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