Lupus can overlap with other health conditions, leading some people to receive additional diagnoses. For example, people with lupus may also experience Sjögren’s disease, formerly known as Sjögren’s syndrome. This is another autoimmune disease that affects the entire body. When someone has more than one condition at the same time, it’s referred to as a comorbidity.

One MyLupusTeam member asked, “Has anyone else been diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease as well as lupus?” Another shared, “I have Sjögren’s, lupus, and vitiligo.”

Here are some of the common connections between lupus and Sjögren’s disease.

Inflammation as a Common Denominator

Inflammation is a common trait of both lupus and Sjögren’s disease — and of various other health problems. The term “inflammation” refers to an overactive or inappropriate immune response.

The immune system is supposed to protect the body from harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. Normally, it can tell the difference between these invaders and your own healthy cells. But in autoimmune diseases like lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and remains overactive.

In lupus, these high inflammation levels lead to symptoms like joint pain and swollen lymph nodes. Over time, this inflammation may damage important organs such as the kidneys.

Sjögren’s, like lupus, also stems from inflammation. In fact, the symptoms of Sjögren’s can be similar to those of lupus, and doctors may have trouble telling the two conditions apart. Dry eyes and dry mouth are more common in Sjögren’s because it affects the salivary glands. But the condition may also cause joint pain, skin rashes, and kidney problems, which are also symptoms of lupus. Your rheumatologist can treat both conditions, so they are your best resource for determining whether you have one or both diagnoses.

One MyLupusTeam member shared their experience living with multiple conditions: “I actually have Sjögren’s and haven’t technically tested positive for lupus,” they explained. “I’m going to my rheumatologist to get my joint pain under control. I’ve been having sharp chest pains for four years, thinking it was my heart murmur or bronchitis, but those tests were negative.”

How Common Is It to Have Both Diseases?

Health experts estimate that up to 14 percent to 17.8 percent of people with lupus also have Sjögren’s disease. Some autoantibodies (antibodies that attack the body’s proteins) that are typically found in Sjögren’s disease can also be seen in lupus. However, just having these antibodies doesn’t mean you definitely have one or both conditions. It’s important to speak with your rheumatologist to get a clear understanding.

Treating Lupus and Sjögren’s Disease

Treatment for Sjögren’s usually focuses on managing symptoms. For example, doctors may recommend artificial tears or anti-inflammatory eye drops to treat dry eyes. If you experience vaginal dryness, talk to your doctor about vaginal lubricants and moisturizers.

Certain oral medications, like cholinergic agonists, can stimulate tear and saliva production. This class of drugs includes pilocarpine hydrochloride and cevimeline.

Drugs That Treat Both Conditions

Pain relief drugs may be given for both lupus and Sjögren’s disease. Your doctor may recommend corticosteroids, like prednisone, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin or ibuprofen, to control your symptoms. Both conditions may also be treated with immunosuppressants, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil, Sovuna), which help control an overactive immune system.

It’s also important to monitor for complications, like impaired renal function (kidney function), as both conditions can affect the kidney.

MyLupusTeam Members Share Their Experiences

Members of MyLupusTeam often discuss their comorbidities. One member shared, “I was given a steroid shot to help. My doctor was also leaning toward Sjögren’s and not lupus … Are these related, or is the timing just a coincidence?”

Another member replied, “I was diagnosed with Sjögren’s in 2008 and recently with inactive lupus and fibromyalgia.”

A third member shared, “I have both lupus and Sjögren’s.”

From these and other discussions on MyLupusTeam, it’s clear that many people with lupus also have additional symptoms or other inflammatory conditions. If you have questions about whether you might be living with other conditions along with lupus, reach out to your rheumatology team for further evaluation.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 232,000 people with lupus come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories.

Do you have other autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s disease? What tests or treatments have worked for you? Post your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by sharing on your Activities page.