Patient Education – Sjögren’s Syndrome

What It Is

Sjögren’s syndrome is a condition where the body's immune system attacks its own moisture-producing glands. This causes dry mouth, dry eyes, and other symptoms.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The exact cause is unknown, but it is an autoimmune disease.
  
  

• It mostly affects women, especially between ages 40 and 60.
  
  

• It can occur alone (primary) or with other autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis (secondary).
  
  

• Genetics and environmental factors may play a role.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms:

• Dry mouth (difficulty swallowing, dry throat)
  
  

• Dry, gritty, or burning eyes
  
  

• Swollen glands around the face and neck
  
  

• Fatigue and joint pain
  
  

• Dry skin and nose
  
  

• Cough or hoarseness
  
  

• Vaginal dryness in women
  
  

Complications If Untreated or Noncompliance

• Increased dental cavities and gum disease due to dry mouth
  
  

• Eye infections and damage from dryness
  
  

• Swollen salivary glands
  
  

• Lung problems like inflammation or infection
  
  

• Rarely, lymphoma (a type of cancer) can develop
  
  

• Fatigue and decreased quality of life
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• No cure, but symptoms can be managed.
  
  

• Use artificial tears and saliva substitutes to relieve dryness.
  
  

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  
  

• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva.
  
  

• Use humidifiers to add moisture to the air.
  
  

• Good oral hygiene is very important.
  
  

• Rest and manage stress.
  
  

• Take medicines to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system if needed.
  
  

Common Types of Medications

• Artificial tears and saliva substitutes (usually safe, minor irritation possible)
  
  

• Pilocarpine or cevimeline: medicines that increase saliva and tear production (side effects: sweating, nausea)
  
  

• Anti-inflammatory medicines: corticosteroids or immunosuppressants (side effects vary, can include weight gain, infection risk)
  
  

• Pain relievers for joint pain
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Drink water often to stay hydrated.
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they dry out the mouth and eyes more.
  
  

• Avoid spicy or salty foods that may irritate dry tissues.
  
  

• Eat soft, moist foods if dry mouth makes chewing or swallowing hard.
  
  

• Maintain good nutrition to support overall health.
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
  
  

• Use protective eyewear in windy or dry environments.
  
  

• Practice good dental care with regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.
  
  

• Manage stress with relaxation and exercise.
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Regularly see your eye doctor and dentist to prevent complications.
  
  

• Take all prescribed medications as directed.
  
  

• Report new or worsening symptoms promptly.
  
  

• Avoid environments that worsen dryness, like air conditioning or smoke.
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Keep up with medical checkups.
  
  

• Follow treatment plans and self-care routines.
  
  

• Maintain hydration and oral care daily.
  
  

• Use humidifiers at home.
  
  

• Avoid triggers like smoke and dry air.
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if you have:

• Increased pain or swelling in glands around your face or neck
  
  

• New or worsening eye pain, redness, or vision changes
  
  

• Severe dry mouth causing trouble eating or swallowing
  
  

• Signs of infection like fever or pus from glands
  
  

• Increased fatigue or joint swelling
  
  

Go to the Emergency Room or Call 911 if you have:

• Severe difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
  

• Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain
  
  

• High fever with chills and confusion
  
  

• Severe facial swelling causing breathing problems
  
  

• Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Choose True or False for each statement. Correct any false statements.

1. True or False: Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes dry mouth and eyes.
   
   

2. True or False: Only men get Sjögren’s syndrome.
   
   

3. True or False: Drinking water often helps relieve dry mouth symptoms.
   
   

4. True or False: Smoking can make symptoms worse.
   
   

5. True or False: Artificial tears can help with dry eyes.
   
   

6. True or False: Sjögren’s syndrome can cause joint pain and fatigue.
   
   

7. True or False: There is a cure for Sjögren’s syndrome.
   
   

8. True or False: Good dental care is important for people with Sjögren’s syndrome.
   
   

9. True or False: Alcohol and caffeine are good for dry mouth.
   
   

10. True or False: Pilocarpine can help increase saliva production.
    
    

11. True or False: Dry eyes can cause infections if not treated.
    
    

12. True or False: Sjögren’s syndrome can cause swollen glands around the neck.
    
    

13. True or False: You should avoid environments with dry or smoky air.
    
    

14. True or False: It is safe to stop your medications when you feel better without talking to your doctor.
    
    

15. True or False: Regular eye and dental checkups help prevent complications.
    
    

16. True or False: Stress management does not affect Sjögren’s symptoms.
    
    

17. True or False: Soft and moist foods may be easier to eat if you have a dry mouth.
    
    

18. True or False: Using a humidifier can help with dryness.
    
    

19. True or False: Sjögren’s syndrome can increase the risk of lymphoma.
    
    

20. True or False: It is important to report new symptoms or worsening dryness to your healthcare provider.
    
    

Individualized Questions for Patients

• When did you first notice symptoms of dryness?
  
  

• Are you using artificial tears or saliva substitutes?
  
  

• Do you have pain or swelling in your glands?
  
  

• How often do you drink water throughout the day?
  
  

• Have you noticed any problems with your vision or eye comfort?
  
  

• Are you following good dental care practices?
  
  

• What medications are you currently taking for Sjögren’s?
  
  

• Do you avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking?
  
  

• Have you experienced any new or worsening symptoms?
  
  

• How do you manage fatigue or joint pain?