Every year on July 23, people around the world observe World Sjögren’s Day to raise awareness about Sjögren’s disease (also called Sjögren’s syndrome), a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people. Despite being one of the most common autoimmune diseases, it is often underdiagnosed because many of its symptoms develop gradually and can resemble those of other conditions.

World Sjögren’s Day is an opportunity to educate the public about the disease, promote early diagnosis, support ongoing research, and recognize the daily challenges faced by those living with this lifelong condition.

In this article, you’ll learn about the history of World Sjögren’s Day, common symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and practical tips for managing Sjögren’s disease.

What is World Sjögren’s Day?

World Sjögren’s Day is observed annually on July 23, the birthday of Swedish ophthalmologist Dr. Henrik Sjögren, who first described the disease in detail.

The day aims to:

Increase awareness of Sjögren’s disease
Encourage early diagnosis
Improve understanding among healthcare professionals and the public
Support patients and caregivers
Promote research into better treatments and, ultimately, a cure

What is Sjögren’s Disease?

Sjögren’s disease is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own moisture-producing glands, especially the salivary and tear glands.

This leads to symptoms such as:

Dry eyes
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Joint pain

In some people, the disease may also affect the lungs, kidneys, nervous system, skin, liver, or other organs.

Primary and Secondary Sjögren’s Disease

Doctors generally classify the condition into two types:

Primary Sjögren’s Disease

Occurs on its own without another autoimmune disorder.

Secondary Sjögren’s Disease

Develops alongside another autoimmune disease, such as:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Systemic sclerosis

Causes of Sjögren’s Disease

The exact cause is unknown, but experts believe several factors contribute:

Genetic predisposition
Immune system dysfunction
Hormonal influences
Viral or environmental triggers

Women, particularly those over the age of 40, are more commonly affected, although the disease can occur in men and younger people as well.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person and may worsen over time.

Dry Eyes

People may experience:

Burning sensation
Redness
Itching
Blurred vision
Feeling like sand or grit is in the eyes

Dry Mouth

Common signs include:

Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty speaking for long periods
Frequent thirst
Dental cavities
Mouth sores
Bad breath

Other Symptoms

Many people also experience:

Persistent fatigue
Joint pain and stiffness
Muscle aches
Dry skin
Dry nose
Dry throat
Chronic cough
Swollen salivary glands
Vaginal dryness (in some individuals)

Possible Complications

If left untreated, Sjögren’s disease may lead to:

Tooth decay
Gum disease
Eye infections
Corneal damage
Difficulty eating
Lung inflammation
Kidney problems
Peripheral neuropathy
Increased risk of lymphoma (rare but important)

Regular medical follow-up helps detect complications early.

How is Sjögren’s Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be challenging because symptoms overlap with other conditions.

A healthcare provider may recommend:

Medical History and Physical Examination

Review of symptoms and overall health.

Blood Tests

These may look for:

Autoantibodies (such as SSA/Ro and SSB/La)
Markers of inflammation
Immune system activity

Eye Tests

Tests such as the Schirmer test measure tear production.

Saliva Tests

These evaluate how well the salivary glands are functioning.

Imaging or Biopsy

In some cases, imaging of the salivary glands or a minor salivary gland biopsy may help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for Sjögren’s disease, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, preventing complications, and protecting affected organs.

Depending on the individual, treatment may include:

Artificial tears
Saliva substitutes
Prescription medications to stimulate tear or saliva production
Medicines to control inflammation or immune activity
Pain-relieving medications for joint symptoms
Good dental care and regular eye examinations

Treatment plans should always be individualized and supervised by a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Sjögren’s Disease

Daily habits can make a meaningful difference.

Stay Hydrated

Sip water regularly throughout the day.

Protect Your Eyes

Use lubricating eye drops if recommended and wear sunglasses outdoors.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and visit your dentist routinely.

Use a Humidifier

Adding moisture to indoor air may help reduce dryness.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Focus on:

Fruits
Vegetables
Whole grains
Lean protein
Healthy fats

Stay Active

Regular exercise may improve energy levels, joint flexibility, and overall well-being.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking can worsen dry mouth and irritate the eyes and respiratory tract.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

The risk is higher among:

Women
Adults over 40 years
People with other autoimmune diseases
Individuals with a family history of autoimmune disorders

However, anyone can develop the disease.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Many people live with symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis.

Early recognition can help:

Improve quality of life
Reduce complications
Protect the eyes and teeth
Identify organ involvement sooner
Enable appropriate long-term care

How You Can Support World Sjögren’s Day

You can contribute by:

Learning about Sjögren’s disease
Sharing educational resources
Supporting affected individuals
Encouraging people with persistent symptoms to seek medical advice
Participating in awareness campaigns
Donating to organizations supporting autoimmune disease research

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is World Sjögren’s Day observed?

It is observed every year on July 23.

2. What is Sjögren’s disease?

It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands, leading to dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and other symptoms.

3. Is Sjögren’s disease curable?

Currently, there is no cure. However, many treatments can help control symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

4. Who is most affected?

The disease is more common in women, particularly those over 40 years old, although it can occur in anyone.

5. What are the first signs?

Common early symptoms include dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, and joint pain.

6. Can Sjögren’s disease affect organs besides the eyes and mouth?

Yes. In some people, it can affect the lungs, kidneys, nerves, joints, skin, and other organs.

7. Why is World Sjögren’s Day important?

The day promotes awareness, encourages earlier diagnosis, supports research, and helps improve understanding of this often-overlooked autoimmune disease.

Conclusion

World Sjögren’s Day reminds us that even diseases with “invisible” symptoms can have a profound impact on everyday life. By increasing awareness, encouraging timely diagnosis, and supporting ongoing research, we can help improve outcomes for people living with Sjögren’s disease.

If you or someone you know experiences persistent dry eyes, dry mouth, unexplained fatigue, or joint pain, consult a qualified healthcare professional for proper evaluation. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can make a significant difference in maintaining long-term health and quality of life.

Latest Post

Post Views: 6

Spread the love