A Complete Guide to the Most Common Sjogren's Symptoms (and Their Contributing Factors)

Sjögren’s is a complex autoimmune disease 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.

Although dryness is the symptom most commonly associated with Sjögren's, Sjögren's can affect the whole body

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.

Sjögren's can lead to excessively dry or itchy skin

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.

Sjögren's is often accompanied by a fatigue that goes beyond usual tiredness

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.

Sjögren's can show up as neurological symptoms such as tingling or burning sensations in the body

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.

The 5 Fundamental Factors for Healing with Sjögren's

Understanding what contributes to your Sjögrens symptoms is just the first step. The next step is taking practical action to restore balance and promote healing in the whole body.

Having worked with Sjögren's exclusively since 2021, we have found that there are five key fundamentals that need to be included in every effective healing plan.

To learn what these fundamental factors are and how you can implement them in your life - along with practical exercises - register for our free "5 Fundamentals to Healing with Sjögren's" webinar.

What you'll learn:

• How to address the root causes of Sjogren's

• The five key components of an effective healing plan

• Practical exercises and actionable takeaways

• Real life patient examples

Register for free via this link.

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About Us:

Beyond Sjögren's is a functional medicine practice, offering online programmes and courses specifically designed to help people suffering with Sjögren's regain their health and well-being, using a natural approach.

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References

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

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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

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Vivino, F. B. (2017). Sjogren’s syndrome: Clinical aspects. Clinical Immunology, 182, 48–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clim.2017.04.005

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