Nine out of ten patients are women. The average age of onset is late 40s although Sjogren's occurs in all age groups in both women and men. The hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjogren's can also cause dryness of the skin, nose, and vagina. Sjogren's also may affect other organs, such as the kidney, GI tract, blood vessels, lung, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system.
Many patients experience debilitating fatigue and joint pain.
Diagnosis Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications. Nevertheless, it sometimes takes a Sjogren's patient 2 years to get this diagnosis. Sjogren's symptoms may mimic other diseases, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology is the medical specialty that has primary responsibility for diagnosing and managing Sjogren's syndrome. Ophthalmologists and dentists are also specialists who diagnose symptoms associated with Sjogren's.