A Complete Guide to the Most Common Sjogren's Symptoms (and Their Contributing Factors)
- Paloma Miquel
- Mar 20
- 5 min read
Sjögren’s disease (previously referred to as "Sjögren’s Syndrome") is a complex autoimmune condition that affects multiple systems in the body. While dryness is the most recognised symptom, Sjögren’s can also lead to fatigue, digestive issues, joint/muscular pain, and neurological symptoms, amongst many others.
Whether you have been diagnosed, or you suspect you may have Sjogren's, understanding what the most common Sjogren's symptoms are and what could be contributing to them may help you take proactive steps toward healing.
Disclaimer: Before you read on, please be aware that having a Sjögren's diagnosis does not mean you will develop all the symptoms below. Some people may only develop one or two symptoms over their lifetime, while others may develop several.
Now, let's explore the most common Sjogren’s symptoms and their possible contributing factors:
1. Dryness-related Symptoms
Dry Eyes
Symptoms: Dryness, irritation, burning, stinging, or itching of the eyes and surrounding areas.
What could be contributing to this: Reduced tear production due to inflammation affecting the tear glands. Other factors like nutrient deficiencies (such as vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids), environmental irritants, or medication side effects may also play a role.
Dry Mouth and Throat
Symptoms: Persistent dryness in the mouth, burning or tingling sensations; difficulty chewing and swallowing; recurrent choking episodes; swollen salivary glands.
What could be contributing to this: Autoimmune-related salivary gland dysfunction may be the primary cause, but gut dysbiosis, food sensitivities, medication side effects, or systemic inflammation may also contribute. Anxiety and stress could also contribute to choking due to muscle tension and impaired swallowing reflexes. Additionally, nutrient deficiencies, such as low vitamin B12 or zinc, can impact saliva production and oral tissue health. Dehydration and certain medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants, may further exacerbate dryness.
Nasal and Vaginal Dryness
Symptoms: Dryness, irritation, discomfort, burning, or stinging in nasal passages and/or vagina. Dryness and reduced lubrication can also lead to painful sexual relations.
What could be contributing to this: Mucosal health is influenced by hydration, essential fatty acids, and hormonal balance. Low estrogen levels, medications, or environmental factors could exacerbate these symptoms.
Skin Dryness
Symptoms: Dry, itchy, or irritated skin.
What could be contributing to this: While systemic inflammation can impact skin hydration, other factors like poor detoxification, environmental allergens, or skincare products could be playing a role.
2. Energy and Mood-related Symptoms
Symptoms: Chronic physical and mental fatigue; low mood, irritability; impaired concentration (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”).
What could be contributing to this: Mitochondrial dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, chronic inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies may all contribute, even if Sjögren’s is the primary condition.
3. Digestive Symptoms
Symptoms: Constipation and/or diarrhea, bloating, trapped wind, abdominal pain, excessive burping, flatulence, feeling full quickly, acid reflux.
What could be contributing to this: Poor digestion, food sensitivities (gluten, dairy), and gut microbiome imbalances (gut dysbiosis) could trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms. Autoimmune-related gut dysfunction is possible, but other causes should also be considered.
4. Joint and Muscular Symptoms
Symptoms: Painful, swollen, or stiff joints; painful, swollen, or stiff muscles; stiffness worse in the morning or after sitting/lying still; pain and stiffness improving with activity.
What could be contributing to this: Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress may play a role, but mechanical issues, nutrient deficiencies, and nervous system involvement should also be considered.
5. Neurological Symptoms
Symptoms: Tingling, burning, numbness, coldness, or painful sensations in hands, feet, or other areas; frequent lightheadedness or dizziness, POTS; decreased/increased sweating; sudden weakness or unexplained clumsy movements; peripheral neuropathy.
What could be contributing to this: While nerve dysfunction is common in autoimmune conditions, chronic inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, chronic stress, and vitamin deficiencies (such as B12 and magnesium) could also be involved.
6. Respiratory Symptoms
Symptoms: Ongoing cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, breathlessness, excessive mucus production.
What could be contributing to this: Lung inflammation and mucus imbalances may be linked to food intolerances, environmental toxins, histamine intolerance, or underlying infections.
7. Raynaud’s Syndrome
Symptoms: Tips of fingers or toes turning white or blue, often accompanied by pain.
What could be contributing to this: Poor circulation, stress response imbalances, and vascular inflammation may all be contributing factors, even if not directly caused by autoimmunity.
Talk to your doctor or rheumatologist if you suspect you have Sjögren’s or are experiencing any of the symptoms above.
A Natural Health Perspective on Sjögren’s Symptoms
In functional and natural medicine, we see symptoms as the body’s way of signalling deeper imbalances. Rather than assuming all symptoms are solely caused by autoimmunity, we recognise that various factors—such as gut health, nutrient status, environmental triggers, and stress—may be exacerbating or even driving certain symptoms. By addressing these contributing factors alongside managing inflammation and autoimmune activity, you can support your body’s ability to function optimally.
Where to Go From Here: Supporting your Body to Heal
Understanding what contributes to your symptoms is just the first step. The next step is taking practical action to restore balance and promote healing in the whole body.
Some recommended key areas to focus on include:
Optimizing Nutrition – For example, reducing inflammatory and triggering foods and ensuring you get the nutrients your body needs to function and heal - in a controlled way to reduce risk of nutritional deficiencies. Learn more about which foods to eat and avoid with Sjögren's in this blog.
Supporting Gut Health – A strong gut microbiome can help regulate immune responses and reduce systemic inflammation.
Managing Stress – Chronic stress can trigger flares and worsen symptoms, so building resilience through nervous system support and a regular de-stressing practice is crucial.
Balancing Hormones – Hormonal shifts can impact dryness, fatigue, and pain, so supporting hormonal, adrenal and thyroid function is a must.
Improving Detox Pathways – Toxins and environmental exposures can burden the immune system. Supporting liver and lymphatic function can help reduce the toxic load and help reduce symptoms.
Want a Clear, Step-by-Step Plan to Heal with Sjögren's?
Our Healing with Sjögren’s Naturally program gives you the practical tools and expert guidance to help you create a sustainable, personalised plan for better health. It includes specific diet and supplement guidance tailored to Sjögren's, as well as stress, exercise and sleep guidance, and much more.
The program is based on what has helped dozens of our clients improve their Sjögren's symptoms.
Bibliography
Maleki-Fischbach, M., Kastsianok, L., Koslow, M., & Chan, E. D. (2024). Manifestations and management of Sjögren’s disease. Arthritis Research & Therapy, 26(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13075-024-03262-4
Negrini, S., Emmi, G., Greco, M., Borro, M., Sardanelli, F., Murdaca, G., Indiveri, F., & Puppo, F. (2021). Sjögren’s syndrome: a systemic autoimmune disease. Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 22(1), 9–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10238-021-00728-6
Vivino, F. B. (2017). Sjogren’s syndrome: Clinical aspects. Clinical Immunology, 182, 48–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clim.2017.04.005
