Sjögren’s Disease

Sjögren’s Disease

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is Sjögren’s disease?

    Sjögren’s disease is a long-term autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands, among other organs.  Although Sjögren’s disease can occur at any age, most people are diagnosed after 40. However, the immune system dysfunction likely exists long before the diagnosis is made.

    Appointment Information

    For more information or to make an appointment with the Sjögren’s Program, call 888-229-3065.

    What are the symptoms of Sjögren’s disease?

    The most common symptoms are:

    • Dry eyes – Your eyes might feel irritated, burn, itch or feel as if they have sand in them. You may have experienced sensitivity to light, reduced vision, increased tearing, or dryness.
    • Dry mouth – Your mouth might feel as if it is full of cotton which may make it hard to swallow or speak.  You may have experienced unexplained rampant cavities.
    • Fatigue and brain fog.
    • Pain  – this might include muscle and joint discomfort.

    Patients may also experience one or more of these additional symptoms:

    • Joint swelling and stiffness
    • Swelling of the glands that make saliva
    • Skin rashes or dry skin
    • Dry cough or shortness of breath
    • Dry vagina
    • Abnormal sensation indicating increased sensitivity of the nerves or a lack of sensation

    How is Sjögren’s disease diagnosed?

    Your doctor will take your medical history and do a physical exam, blood tests, exam for your eyes and saliva production. Sometimes your doctor will recommend a labial salivary gland biopsy. Imaging tests such as salivary gland ultrasound can also help your team diagnose Sjögren’s disease. 

    How is Sjögren’s disease treated?

    Because there is currently no cure, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing long-term complications. Therapy is personalized by managing dryness, fatigue and pain. Sometimes medications are available to manage certain organ manifestations.

    Locations
    • Rheumatology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 1
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Rheumatology Clinic | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor 3 Reception A
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5358       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     labcoat

    Scott Conley Bresler, MD, PhD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Pathology, Dermatopathology

    Lindsey Blake Delott, MD

    Lindsey Blake Delott, MD, MS

    Associate Professor

    Ophthalmology, Neurology

    Yasmin H Karimi, MD

    Yasmin H Karimi, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Hematology, Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology

    David Joseph Kohns, DO

    David Joseph Kohns, DO

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Pain Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

    Elizabeth Suzanne Langen MD

    Elizabeth Suzanne Langen, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Maternal & Fetal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology

    Anna Suk-Fong Lok, MD

    Anna Suk-Fong Lok, MD

    Professor

    Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Internal Medicine

    Sanjeevkumar Rambhai Patel, MD

    Sanjeevkumar Rambhai Patel, MD

    Associate Professor

    Nephrology, Internal Medicine

    Janelle Vu Pugashetti, MD

    Janelle Vu Pugashetti, MD, MS

    Assistant Professor

    Pulmonary Diseases, Internal Medicine

    Nataliya Razumilava MD

    Nataliya Razumilava, MD

    Associate Professor

    Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Transplant Hepatology

    Zeinab Fawzi Saleh, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Rheumatology, Internal Medicine

    Show All Doctors

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