The most commonly reported symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are a dry mouth and dry eyes, both of which can lead to other associated symptoms (see below).
Many women also experience dryness of the vagina, which can make sexual intercourse painful.
Associated symptoms of dry mouth
Associated symptoms of dry mouth include:
- tooth decay, leading to an increased risk of tooth loss
- dry cough
- difficulty swallowing and chewing
- hoarse voice
- difficulty speaking
- swollen salivary glands (located between your jaw and your ears)
- repeated fungal infections of your mouth (oral thrush), symptoms of which include the appearance of white, cream-coloured or yellow spots on the inside of your mouth and tongue
Associated symptoms of dry eyes
Associated symptoms of dry eyes include:
- a burning or stinging sensation in your eyes
- itchy eyes
- a feeling that there is a piece of sand or gravel in your eyes
- irritated and swollen eyelids
- sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- tired eyes
- a discharge of mucus from your eyes
Symptoms can become worse when you are in a windy or smoky environment. Air-conditioned buildings and travelling on aeroplanes can also make symptoms worse.
Other symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome
In more serious cases of Sjogren's syndrome, the immune system can attack other parts of the body as well as the tear, saliva and vaginal glands, causing a wide range of symptoms such as:
- dry skin
- fatigue
- muscle pain
- joint pain, stiffness and swelling
- pain and numbness in certain parts of the body, usually the arms or legs (periphery neuropathy)
- restricted blood flow to the hands, which can cause the hands to feel cold, numb and painful (Raynaud's phenomenon)
- vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
