Signs of Sjogren's Syndrome

Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome

The list of medical symptoms mentioned in various sources for Sjogren's Syndrome may include:

• Early symptoms:
  • One-sided swollen parotid salivary gland
  • Both parotid salivary glands swollen
  • Swollen cheeks
  • Swollen jaw
• Most common symptoms:
  • Dry mouth - very common
  • Dry eyes - very common
• more symptoms...»

List of 68 Sjogren's Syndrome Symptoms

Note that Sjogren's Syndrome symptoms usually refers to various medical symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Sjogren's Syndrome signs may often refer to those signs that are only noticable by a doctor.

Signs or Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome:

NINDS Sjogren's Syndrome Information Page: NINDS (Excerpt)

The hallmark symptoms of the disorder are dry mouth and dry eyes. In addition, Sjogren's syndrome may cause skin, nose, and vaginal dryness, and may affect other organs of the body including the kidneys, blood vessels, lungs, liver, pancreas, and brain. (Source: excerpt from NINDS Sjogren's Syndrome Information Page: NINDS)

Questions and Answers About Sjögren's Syndrome: NIAMS (Excerpt)

In technical terms, dry eyes are called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or KCS, and dry mouth is called xerostomia. Your doctor may use these terms when talking to you about Sjögren's syndrome.

The disease can affect other glands too, such as those in the stomach, pancreas, and intestines, and can cause dryness in other places that need moisture, such as the nose, throat, airways, and skin. (Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers About Sjögren's Syndrome: NIAMS)

Questions and Answers About Sjögren's Syndrome: NIAMS (Excerpt)

The main symptoms are

• Dry eyes--Your eyes may be red and burn and itch. People say it feels like they have sand in their eyes. Also, your vision may be blurry, and bright light, especially fluorescent lighting, might bother you.
  
  

• Dry mouth--Dry mouth feels like a mouth full of cotton. It's difficult to swallow, speak, and taste. Your sense of smell can change, and you may develop a dry cough. Also, because you lack the protective effects of saliva, dry mouth increases your chances of developing cavities and mouth infections.

Both primary and secondary Sjögren's syndrome can affect other parts of the body as well, including the skin, joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, and nervous system, and cause symptoms such as

• Dry skin
  
  

• Skin rashes
  
  

• Thyroid problems
  
  

• Joint and muscle pain
  
  

• Pneumonia
  
  

• Vaginal dryness
  
  

• Numbness and tingling in the extremities

When Sjögren's affects other parts of the body, the condition is called extraglandular involvement because the problems extend beyond the tear and salivary glands. These problems are described in more detail later.

Finally, Sjögren's can cause extreme fatigue that can seriously interfere with daily life. (Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers About Sjögren's Syndrome: NIAMS)

Connective Tissue Diseases: NWHIC (Excerpt)

Dryness of the eyes and mouth, swollen neck glands, difficulty swallowing or talking, unusual tastes or smells, thirst, tongue ulcers, and severe dental caries. (Source: excerpt from Connective Tissue Diseases: NWHIC)

More Symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome:

More detailed symptom information may be found on the symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome article. In addition to the above medical information, to get a full picture of the possible signs or symptoms of this condition and also possibly the signs and symptoms of its related medical conditions, it may be necessary to examine symptoms that may be caused by:

• Complications of Sjogren's Syndrome
• Hidden causes of Sjogren's Syndrome
• Associated conditions for Sjogren's Syndrome
• Risk factors for Sjogren's Syndrome
• Related symptoms

Medical articles on signs and symptoms:

These general reference articles may be related to medical signs and symptoms of disease in general:

• Books on signs and symptoms
• Books on medical diagnosis
• Symptoms of the Silent Killer Diseases
• Symptoms and Medical Malpractice

What are the signs of Sjogren's Syndrome?

The phrase "signs of Sjogren's Syndrome" should, strictly speaking, refer only to those signs and symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome that are not readily apparent to the patient. The word "symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome" is the more general meaning; see symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome.

The signs and symptom information on this page attempts to provide a list of some possible signs and symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome. This medical information about signs and symptoms for Sjogren's Syndrome has been gathered from various sources, may not be fully accurate, and may not be the full list of Sjogren's Syndrome signs or Sjogren's Syndrome symptoms. Furthermore, signs and symptoms of Sjogren's Syndrome may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Sjogren's Syndrome symptoms.

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