Health Implications Due to Sjögren's Syndrome
If you are experiencing symptoms of Sjögren's it is important that you talk to your doctor. While most patients with Sjögren's are able to manage their symptoms and lead full lives, if symptoms are left untreated, patients may experience additional complications such as:
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Dental cavities – Saliva helps protect the teeth from bacteria, so you're more prone to developing cavities if your mouth is dry.
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Yeast infections (oral thrush) – About one-third of people with Sjögren's experience yeast infections of the mouth, called candidiasis, due to a lack of saliva.
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Vision problems – Dry eyes can lead to light sensitivity, blurred vision and possibly corneal ulcerations.
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Inflammation – Inflammation of a variety of organs, including the lungs, liver and kidneys, can also be found in patients with Sjögren's. These can lead to more serious conditions such as pneumonia, problems with kidney functioning, and cirrhosis of the liver.
It is also important that patients with Sjögren's talk to their doctor as they are often more likely to experience other conditions in addition to the disorder, such as:
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Additional autoimmune disorders – Some patients may be diagnosed with another autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
To find tips for talking to your doctor, click here.
