Patients with dry eyes are at increased risk for infections around the eye and may have damage to the cornea. Dry mouth may cause an increase in dental decay, gingivitis gum inflammation , and oral yeast infections thrush that may cause pain and burning. Some patients have episodes of painful swelling in the saliva glands around the face. Complications in other parts of the body can occur. Pain and stiffness in the joints with mild swelling may occur in some patients, even in those without rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Rashes on the arms and legs related to inflammation in small blood vessels vasculitis and inflammation in the lungs, liver, and kidney may occur rarely and be difficult to diagnose. Numbness, tingling, and weakness also have been described in some patients. People with this disease have abnormal proteins in their blood.
This suggests that the immune system, which normally functions to protect the body against cancers and infections, is reacting against its own tissue. Research suggests that genetic factors and possibly viral infections may predispose people to developing this condition.
Diagnosis depends on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, blood tests, and sometimes special studies. Dry eyes and mouth may be early signs of the condition but require further investigation, because these symptoms can be caused by many other conditions or medications.
Working with patients in the Jerome L. The severity of the diagnosis will determine extent of the plan. Read more. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Md. Reprints are not available from the authors. The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the U.
Coast Guard, the U. Public Health Service, the U. Navy, or the U. Department of Health and Human Services. Fox RI. Rheumatology Oxford. Mayo Clin Proc. Medicine Baltimore. Curr Opin Rheumatol. Arthritis Rheum. J Musc Med.
J Am Dent Assoc. Ovchinsky A, Har-El G. Salivary gland enlargementLucent FE. Essentials of Otolaryngology. Philadelphia, Pa.
J Oral Pathol Med. Arch Intern Med. Clinical follow up study of 87 patients with sicca symptoms dryness of eyes or mouth, or both. Carter SR. Eyelid disorders: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. Xerostomia in diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes Care. Kim J. The use of vital dyes in corneal disease. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. Whitcher JP. The treatment of dry eyes. Br J Ophthalmol. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants help women who have vaginal dryness. Depending on your symptoms, you might start by seeing your family doctor, dentist or eye doctor.
But you might eventually be referred to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions rheumatologist. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.
Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Sjogren's syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms vary from person to person and can be similar to those caused by other diseases.
Tests can help rule out other conditions and help pinpoint a diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
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