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Condition guide · Rheumatology

Sjögren's Syndrome

Persistent dry eyes and a dry mouth that won't ease, often with fatigue and aching joints — what Sjögren's syndrome is, why it happens, and how a consultant rheumatologist can help.

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Sjögren's Syndrome assessment at Bridge House Clinic
What is sjögren's syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the glands that make tears and saliva, so the eyes and mouth become persistently dry.

It's one of the connective tissue diseases, and it often comes with fatigue and joint aches rather than dryness alone. It can occur on its own or alongside another autoimmune condition such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. There's no quick cure, but a clear diagnosis and the right plan make the symptoms far more manageable — and help protect your eyes and teeth over the long term.

01Symptoms

Symptoms of sjögren's syndrome.

They usually come on slowly over months or years, and the dryness is often the most stubborn part — but it's rarely the whole story.

01Gritty, dry eyesA burning or sandy feeling, as though something is in the eye — often worse in air conditioning, wind or after screen use.
02A persistently dry mouthDifficulty swallowing dry food or speaking for long, needing to sip water often, and a higher rate of dental decay.
03FatigueA deep, draining tiredness that isn't fixed by sleep is one of the most common — and most underestimated — features.
04Aching jointsPain and stiffness in the joints, sometimes with mild swelling, even though the dryness can seem like the main problem.
05Dryness elsewhereThe skin, nose, throat or vagina can also become dry, and some people develop a dry, irritating cough.
06Swollen salivary glandsThe glands in front of the ears or under the jaw may swell or feel tender, sometimes on and off.
Sound familiar?Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — usually the same or next week.→
02Causes & risk factors

Why it happens.

Sjögren's is an autoimmune process — the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own moisture-producing glands. Why this starts isn't fully understood, but several things are linked to it.

Female sex — far more common in women
Most often begins between 40 and 60
Family history of autoimmune disease
Another autoimmune condition, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Genetic predisposition
Thought to be triggered in some by a viral infection
03When to get it checked

Don't wait for it to settle.

Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:

I.Dry eyes or mouth lasting more than a few weeksPersistent dryness that drops, sweets or sips of water don't fix is worth investigating rather than living with.
II.Dryness alongside fatigue or joint painWhen dry eyes and mouth come with unexplained tiredness or aching joints, an autoimmune cause should be considered.
III.A salivary gland that stays swollenPersistent or one-sided swelling of a gland near the jaw or ear deserves prompt review to check what's behind it.
IV.Repeated dental decay or mouth infectionsA run of new cavities or oral thrush can be a sign that reduced saliva is affecting your mouth and needs addressing.
V.New numbness, severe dryness or breathing changesTingling or numbness in the hands or feet, or a troublesome dry cough or breathlessness, should be assessed without delay.
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Sjögren's Syndrome examination by a consultant
Diagnosing sjögren's syndrome at Bridge House Clinic
04How it's diagnosed

Confirmed with examination, blood tests and tear assessment.

Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi, Consultant Rheumatologist with a specialist interest in connective tissue disease, will take a full history and examine you, then arrange blood tests to look for the antibodies and inflammation associated with Sjögren's. Tear-flow and saliva checks help build the picture, and a lip-gland biopsy is occasionally needed to confirm it. You leave with a clear explanation and a plan.

05Treatment

How sjögren's syndrome is treated.

There's no single cure, so care focuses on easing the dryness, protecting your eyes and teeth, and calming the wider symptoms.

01Consultant assessment & diagnosis

A thorough review with a consultant rheumatologist, with blood tests to confirm Sjögren's, check which glands and tissues are involved, and shape your plan.

02Symptom & dryness management

A tailored plan for the dry eyes and mouth, fatigue and joint aches — covering tear and saliva substitutes, dental and eye protection, and medication where it's needed.

03Medical management for wider involvement

Where the condition affects the joints or other organs, your consultant can prescribe and review medication that calms the immune activity over time.

04Joint injection for a flaring joint

When a single joint is painful and inflamed, a targeted steroid injection can settle it — a quick, non-surgical step.

Get answers on long-standing dryness and fatigue.Book an assessment with Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi for a clear diagnosis and a plan to manage your symptoms. The consultation is £220; larger-joint injections are charged from £450, and any further fees are confirmed with you individually before going ahead.→
Why Bridge House
I.
Same or next-week appointments

Seen in days — not months on a list.

II.
Consultant-led care

A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.

III.
Transparent, fixed pricing

Every price published and confirmed in writing.

IV.
No NHS waiting list

Seen privately, without the wait.

V.
Private insurance accepted

We bill major UK insurers directly.

06Your consultants
Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi, Consultant Rheumatologist
Treats itDr Subhra RaghuvanshiConsultant Rheumatologist
07FAQ

Common questions.

Can't find your answer? Call us — a real person picks up.

01244 982032
Can a private rheumatologist confirm whether I have Sjögren's? +

Yes. Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi can assess your symptoms, arrange the antibody and inflammation blood tests, and check tear and saliva production to reach a clear diagnosis. You can refer yourself — a GP letter is welcome if you have one, but it isn't required to book.

Is there a cure for Sjögren's syndrome? +

Not currently, but it's very manageable. The aim is to ease the dryness, protect your eyes and teeth, and calm the fatigue and joint symptoms — and to watch for and treat any wider effects early. Most people, with the right plan, keep things well controlled.

Why does Sjögren's make me so tired? +

Fatigue is one of the most common features of Sjögren's and reflects the underlying immune activity, not just the dryness. It's a genuine part of the condition — your consultant will take it seriously and build it into your management plan.

What does an assessment for Sjögren's cost? +

A rheumatology consultation with Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi is £220, which includes a full assessment and arranging any blood tests. If a joint needs an injection, that's £350 (larger joints from £450). Any further fees are confirmed with you individually before anything goes ahead.

Will I need to take medication for the rest of my life? +

Many people manage well with tear and saliva substitutes and good eye and dental care, without ongoing prescription medication. Where the joints or other organs are involved, your consultant may recommend medication and will review how you're doing and adjust it over time.

Take the first step

Don't put up with it.

Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.

Book an assessment→Call 01244 982032