List of Sjogren's Syndrome Symptoms
Many people with SS say they "hurt all over" as if they have been beaten; that they are exhausted all the time: it is like having the flu that never goes away; they say they are unable to tolerate drafts, lights and smoke.
Here is a list of symptoms:
- dry eyes that may feel gritty, burning or appear red.
- dry mouth - the lack of saliva often causing difficulty with chewing, swallowing,speaking, hoarseness, change in sense of taste, dental cavities
- vaginal dryness causing painful intercourse
- dry skin sometimes causing itching
- irritation and dryness in the nose
- constipation caused by internal dryness (failure of mucus production)
- light-sensitive eyes
- corneal ulcers
- fatigue
- enlarged glands — especially salivary glands, located behind your jaw and in front of your ears
- oral yeast infections, such as candidiasis
- dry cough
- joint pain and stiffness - often joints in hands and feet
- Muscle pain - especially on use
- inflammation of the muscles (myositis) - mainly the shoulders and pelvis
- Nerve pain
- increased sensitivity to cold causing “white finger” Raynaud’s phenomenon
- damage to tissues of lungs, kidneys and liver
- inflammation of the lungs causing breathlessness
- kidney to lose its ability to excrete acids
- migraine
- dulled hearing
- feeling of ear fullness
- itching of the external ear canal caused by ear dryness
- inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis)
- mild anaemia, platelet counts and low white cell counts
- increased risk of underactive thyroid
