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What is Sjögren's syndrome, and how does it relate to lupus?

Sjögren's is another autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body's moisture-producing glands. This leads to the most common symptoms: dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also cause joint pain, skin rashes, and kidney problems — which overlap with lupus Show Full Answer

What is Sjögren's syndrome, and how does it relate to lupus?

Sjögren's is another autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the body's moisture-producing glands. This leads to the most common symptoms: dry eyes and dry mouth. It can also cause joint pain, skin rashes, and kidney problems — which overlap with lupus symptoms, making it tricky to tell apart.

It's actually quite common to have both. Estimates suggest that between 14% and 17.8% of people with lupus also have Sjögren's. When two conditions occur together like this, it's called a comorbidity. Some shared symptoms to be aware of include:

- Dry eyes and dry mouth
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes
- Kidney problems

The good news is that a rheumatologist can treat both conditions. Treatments often overlap too, including medications like hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), corticosteroids, and NSAIDs. For dryness specifically, artificial tears and medications that stimulate saliva and tear production can help.

A MyLupusTeam member shared, "I was diagnosed with Sjögren's in 2008 and recently with inactive lupus." You're definitely not alone in navigating both. Talking to your rheumatologist is the best next step for getting a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Sjögren’s and Lupus: Are They Related?