[SJ-17] Sjogren's Disease Iceberg

Dry eyes

Dry mouth and mouth sores

Dry skin and rashes

What people see

Dry nose and frequent nosebleeds

Dry cough

Vaginal dryness

Joint pain or stiffness

Genital yeastinfections

Swollen glands

What people don’t see

Nerve pain

Fatigue

Cavities and tooth decay

Brain fog

Nerve pain

Sjögren’s can sometimes damage nerves, leading to tingling, burning, numbness, or shooting pain — often in the hands or feet. This nerve pain, called neuropathy, can be mild or severe.

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Genital yeast infections

Recurrent vaginal or genital yeast infections can occur more frequently in people with Sjögren’s. The dryness and changes in the body’s natural defenses can make infections more likely.

Vaginal dryness

Sjögren’s may cause discomfort, itching, or pain during sex due to vaginal dryness. This symptom happens when the body’s natural lubrication decreases.

Fatigue

Fatigue with Sjögren’s disease can feel like an overwhelming sense of tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest. It can make daily activities harder and affect your quality of life.

Dry cough

A persistent, dry cough can occur when your airways and throat don’t have enough moisture.

Dry eyes

Sjögren’s disease can cause a gritty, burning, or itchy feeling in your eyes, as if you have sand in them.

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Dry skin and rashes

Sjögren’s disease can make your skin feel rough, flaky, or itchy due to a lack of moisture. Some people also develop irritated rashes, especially on the arms and legs.

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Dry mouth and mouth sores

You might notice your mouth feels unusually dry or sticky, making it hard to swallow, speak, or even taste food.

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Joint pain or stiffness

Many people with Sjögren’s experience aching, swollen, or stiff joints, especially in the morning or after periods of rest. These symptoms can make movement more difficult and uncomfortable.

Cavities and tooth decay

A dry mouth reduces saliva, which normally helps protect your teeth, so people with Sjögren’s are at higher risk for cavities and tooth decay. Regular dental care is important for maintaining oral health.

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Dry nose and frequent nosebleeds

Sjögren’s disease can cause your nose to feel dry, stuffy, or uncomfortable due to a lack of natural lubrication. This dryness sometimes leads to frequent nosebleeds or irritation.

Brain fog

Some people experience “brain fog,” which means trouble concentrating, remembering things, or thinking clearly. This mental cloudiness can be frustrating and impact work or daily tasks.

Swollen glands

You might notice swelling or tenderness in the glands around your jaw, neck, or behind your ears. This happens when Sjögren’s causes inflammation in the glands that produce saliva and tears.

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