Sjögren’s Symptoms: What to Watch For and How to Manage Them

When your eyes feel gritty, your mouth stays dry even after drinking water, and you’re tired all the time, it might not just be stress or aging. These could be early Sjögren’s symptoms, a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body attacks its own moisture-producing glands. Also known as Sjögren’s syndrome, it often shows up in people over 40, especially women, and can quietly worsen if ignored. It’s not just about discomfort — it’s about your body losing its ability to make tears and saliva naturally.

Most people notice dry eyes, a persistent feeling of sand or burning in the eyes, even with frequent blinking first. Then comes dry mouth, making it hard to swallow dry food, speak for long, or even taste food properly. But Sjögren’s doesn’t stop there. Many also deal with joint pain that feels like arthritis, skin that cracks or itches, and numbness or tingling in hands and feet. Some even get lung or kidney issues later. It’s not one symptom — it’s a pattern. And because it overlaps with other conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, it’s often missed or misdiagnosed for years.

What makes Sjögren’s tricky is that the symptoms come and go. One week you’re fine, the next you can’t open your eyes without drops. You might blame caffeine, screens, or the weather — but if these issues stick around for months, it’s worth asking your doctor about autoimmune causes. There’s no cure, but managing the symptoms early can keep them from damaging your eyes, teeth, or organs. Simple fixes like humidifiers, sugar-free gum, and avoiding alcohol-based mouthwashes help. But knowing what’s really going on lets you take control before things get serious.

Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve lived with this — from how to spot the hidden signs to what medications actually help, and what to avoid. These aren’t generic tips. They’re based on what works for those dealing with this daily.