Sjögren's Syndrome Symptom Checker

Sjögren’s Syndrome Quiz

Sometimes, symptoms like dryness or fatigue seem normal. But when they become part of your daily life, they might point to something more. This simple quiz can help you understand if your symptoms could be related to Sjögren’s syndrome.

Check Your Symptoms

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or irritated?
• Is your mouth frequently dry, making it hard to speak or swallow?
• Do you feel tired even after a good night’s sleep?
• Do you have joint pain or stiffness without clear reason?
• Have you noticed dry skin or dryness in other areas?
• Do you get cavities or mouth sores often?
• Do you have a dry cough that just won’t go away?

Take a moment to think about each one. Be honest with yourself,  this is for your own awareness.

What Your Answers Mean

If you answered “yes” to one or more questions:

• You might be showing signs linked to Sjögren’s syndrome.
• It doesn’t mean you have it, but it’s worth paying attention.

If you answered “yes” to several questions:

• This could be a sign that something deeper is going on.
• It may be time to talk with a healthcare provider for a proper check.

If these questions sound familiar, you can also try Docus Sjögren’s Syndrome Symptom Checker to better understand your symptoms.

Remember, this is not a diagnosis. Only a doctor can confirm what’s really going on.

What Is Sjögren’s Syndrome?

Sjögren’s syndrome is a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. Instead of focusing on harmful invaders, the immune system targets parts of the body that produce moisture. This mostly affects the eyes and mouth, leading to dryness and discomfort.

This condition is autoimmune, which means it happens when the immune system goes off track. In Sjögren’s syndrome, glands that keep your eyes, mouth, and other areas moist stop working properly.

Sjögren’s syndrome can develop at any age, but it is more common in adults aged 45-55. It mostly affects women, though men can also get it.

What Are the Common Symptoms?

Sjögren’s syndrome can cause many symptoms. Some people may notice only a few, while others may experience more.

The most common ones include:

• Dry eyes: You may feel like there’s sand or grit in your eyes. Burning and itching are also common.
• Dry mouth: Speaking or swallowing might become difficult. Some people also get frequent mouth sores or cavities.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time is very common, even after resting well.
• Joint pain and swelling: Your joints may ache or feel stiff, especially in the morning.

Other symptoms can include:

• Dry skin that feels rough or itchy.
• Vaginal dryness, which can cause discomfort.
• Prolonged dry cough that doesn’t seem to go away.

These symptoms can affect daily life, but they don’t always show up all at once. Sometimes they appear slowly over time.

What Causes Sjögren’s Syndrome?

The exact cause of Sjögren’s syndrome isn’t fully understood. Like many autoimmune conditions, it develops when the immune system starts attacking healthy cells by mistake.

What might trigger it?

• Genetics: Some people may inherit genes that make them more likely to develop autoimmune conditions.
• Environment: Infections or exposure to certain viruses may play a role.
• Hormones: Since Sjögren’s syndrome affects women more often, hormones may also be a factor.

It’s likely that a mix of these triggers leads to the immune system’s confusion.

How Is Sjögren’s Syndrome Diagnosed?

Figuring out if you have Sjögren’s syndrome isn’t always easy. The symptoms can be different from person to person and may also be linked to other health issues. That’s why it’s important to see a healthcare provider if you suspect something is wrong.

How do doctors diagnose it?
There’s no single test. Instead, they use a combination of checks to get a clearer picture:

• Blood tests to look for certain markers linked to autoimmune activity.
• Eye tests to measure tear production and check for dryness.
• Salivary gland tests to see how well your mouth produces saliva.

These tests help your doctor understand what’s going on inside your body.

Can Sjögren’s Syndrome Be Treated?

Right now, there is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome. But the good news is that symptoms can be managed, and many people lead full lives with the right care.

What can help?

• Lifestyle changes are often a big part of treatment. Staying hydrated, using special eye drops, and protecting your skin can all make a difference.
• Medical treatments are also available to ease dryness, pain, and other symptoms.

Everyone is different, so the best approach depends on your individual needs. Working with your healthcare provider will help you create a plan that fits your life and goals.

When to See a Doctor

Not every dry eye or tired day means you have Sjögren’s syndrome. But if symptoms keep coming back or start getting worse, it’s smart to reach out for help.

Consider seeing a doctor if:

• Your symptoms are getting worse or lasting longer than expected.
• They are affecting your daily activities, like speaking, eating, or sleeping.
• You’re experiencing new or more serious health problems, such as frequent infections or unexplained swelling.

Right help early can make a big difference. 

If these questions sound familiar, you can also try Docus Sjögren’s Syndrome Symptom Checker to better understand your symptoms.

Remember, this is not a diagnosis. Only a doctor can confirm what’s really going on.