While many people are familiar with Sjögren’s well-known symptoms, like dry eye and dry mouth, the inflammation caused by Sjögren’s can affect any part of the body. Everyone with Sjögren’s experiences it differently.
Learn about how Sjögren’s disease affects different body systems, body parts, and organs.
Blood
Some Sjögren’s patients can have a positive rheumatoid factor, high immunoglobulin levels, and autoantibodies to two proteins called SSA and SSB. In addition, Sjögren’s is associated with a higher risk of blood cancers, including lymphomas and other blood problems, including low counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets.
Brain Fog
Many Sjögren’s patients experience problems concentrating, remembering things, or thinking clearly.
Cardiovascular System
Sjögren’s can impact the heart and blood vessels and increase your risk of having cardiovascular problems.
Dysautonomia
When Sjögren’s disease impacts your autonomic nervous system, it can cause problems with balance, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature regulation, and more.
Ears, Nose, and Throat
Dryness from Sjögren’s disease can affect your nose and throat — and it can even cause problems with your ears.
Eyes
Dry eye is one of the most common symptoms of Sjögren’s disease — but it’s not the only way Sjögren’s can affect eye health.
Fatigue
Fatigue (feeling extremely tired) can make it difficult for Sjögren’s patients to do the things they enjoy.
Digestive System
Sjögren’s can affect any part of your digestive system, including your mouth, stomach, and intestines, and cause a range of issues, from trouble swallowing to constipation and diarrhea.
Kidneys (Renal System)
Sjögren’s disease can cause damage to your kidneys — the organs that work to filter waste out of your body.
Liver
Having Sjögren’s puts you at a higher risk of certain liver problems, including autoimmune liver diseases and damage to liver tissues.
Mouth and Teeth
Nearly all Sjögren’s patients experience dry mouth, which can raise your risk of problems like tooth decay or gum disease.
Musculoskeletal (Muscles and Joints) System
Sjögren’s can affect your muscles and joints and cause symptoms like pain and stiffness.
Nervous System
Sjögren’s can impact your entire nervous system — and many people experience nervous system issues such as numbness and tingling or migraines long before other symptoms like dry eye or dry mouth.
Pain
Inflammation from Sjögren’s disease can cause pain throughout the body.
Pancreas
The pancreas helps your body digest food and also makes certain hormones. Sjögren’s can cause inflammation of the pancreas and other pancreas problems.
Pulmonary (Respiratory) System
When Sjögren’s affects the lungs, it can cause issues like chronic cough, voice changes, and shortness of breath.
Reproductive and Urinary System
Sjögren’s can cause dryness of the vagina and penis, bladder problems, and — less commonly — kidney problems.
Skin, Hair, and Nails
Many Sjögren’s patients experience problems with their skin, hair, and nails — including dry skin, hair loss, and brittle nails.