Sjogren's Syndrome
Dry eyes and dry mouth can feel like a minor nuisance until they affect sleep, teeth, eating and quality of life. I look at whether the dryness is part of an autoimmune condition, and I connect it with the fatigue, pain and other symptoms that often go with it.
What sjogren's syndrome is
Sjogren's is an autoimmune condition where inflammation affects moisture-producing glands, especially in the eyes and mouth. It can occur on its own or with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or systemic sclerosis.
Symptoms to look out for
Dry, gritty or sore eyes
Dry mouth, needing water to swallow food
Dental problems, mouth ulcers or oral thrush
Fatigue, aches and joint pain
Dry skin, cough, vaginal dryness or nerve symptoms in some patients
Why this matters to a rheumatologist
Rheumatology care helps confirm the diagnosis, assess systemic involvement and coordinate eye, dental and other specialist care when needed.
Signs I would like you to seek care for
For emergency symptoms please seek urgent or emergency care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Persistent dry eyes and mouth with fatigue or joint pain
Swollen glands, rashes or nerve symptoms
Dental deterioration due to dry mouth
Known autoimmune disease with new dryness
What a specialist review looks like
I review dryness symptoms, joint pain and fatigue, examine glands and joints, check autoimmune blood tests, and coordinate tear or saliva tests and specialist review if needed.
Questions my patients often ask me
Speak with me
If your dry eyes and dry mouth are ongoing, especially with fatigue or joint pain, WhatsApp my clinic and we can help you decide whether a rheumatology assessment is the right next step.
Other conditions I treat
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.