The decreased saliva production of Sjogren's syndrome causes dry mouth and difficulty swallowing, chewing and talking. Saliva is important for prevention of tooth decay and people with dry mouth are at risk for serious tooth cavities. It is common for people with Sjogren's syndrome to require frequent sips of liquid to eat and often must carry containers of water with them wherever they go. Since dry eyes and dry mouth are common symptoms, many people with Sjogren's syndrome are never diagnosed. Yet, most people with dry eyes and dry mouth do not have Sjogren's syndrome.
Decreased secretions can cause dryness in other areas of the body.
Reduced nasal secretions results in nose dryness and bleeding. There may be deficient secretions in the vagina, causing painful intercourse. Dryness in the throat causes hoarseness and blockage of the eustachian tubes, increasing the likelihood of muffled hearing and middle ear infection. Twenty-five to fifty percent of people with Sjogren's syndrome develop salivary gland enlargement. One or both parotid glands may be swollen.