The most commonly reported symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome are a dry mouth and eyes, which can lead to other associated symptoms.

However, these symptoms can be common in old age, and most people with dry eyes or a dry mouth do not have Sjögren’s syndrome.

Many women also experience vaginal dryness, which can make sex painful.

Associated symptoms of dry mouth

A dry mouth can lead to:

tooth decay and gum disease

dry cough

difficulty swallowing and chewing

hoarse voice

difficulty speaking

swollen salivary glands (located between your jaw and ears)

repeated fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush) – symptoms of which can include a coated or white tongue

Associated symptoms of dry eyes

Dry eyes can lead to:

burning or stinging eyes

itchy eyes

a feeling that there’s grit in your eyes

irritated and swollen eyelids

sensitivity to light (photophobia)

tired eyes

mucus discharge from your eyes

These symptoms can get worse when you’re:

in a windy or smoky environment

in an air-conditioned building

travelling on aeroplane

Other symptoms of Sjögren’s syndrome

In more serious cases of Sjögren’s syndrome, the immune system can attack other parts of the body, causing symptoms and conditions such as:

dry skin

tiredness and fatigue – which are common and can lead to total exhaustion

muscle pain

joint pain, stiffness and swelling

vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)

difficulty concentrating, remembering and reasoning