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Sjogren’s Syndrome Symptoms

The Sjogren’s syndrome symptoms can vary from person to person, can change over time, may include non-specific symptoms such as chronic fatigue and fever, and may involve other body organs such as the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract. Because of this, recognizing and diagnosing Sjogren’s syndrome can sometimes be challenging. Symptom severity can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can remain constant, get worse, or go into remission in some cases. Sjogren’s syndrome symptoms generally begin in adults in their 40’s. These symptoms may include:

  • Decreased sense of taste and smell
  • Dry cough
  • Dry gritty eyes
  • Dry mouth with difficulty swallowing or talking
  • Dry skin and rashes
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Sore tongue or throat
  • Swollen salivary (parotid) glands
  • Vaginal dryness

Symptoms That Might Indicate A Serious Condition

In some cases, Sjogren’s syndrome can lead to potentially serious complications, such as pneumonia, vasculitis, pancreatitis, and a higher risk of developing lymphoma. Seek prompt medical care if you have any of these symptoms:

  • Decreased urination
  • Eye pain or eye sores
  • High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Wet, loose cough that produces yellow, green, or white phlegm
  • Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

References

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