Living with Sjögren’s disease can mean living with unpredictable symptoms and flares. If you’ve had it for a while, you may have found a few ways to manage day to day. If you’re newly diagnosed, these tips can help you get started.

There are currently no FDA-approved treatments that target Sjögren's disease, but there are some ways to find symptom relief. It's important to always talk with your doctor about your prescription or over-the-counter options.

Clinical trials and research are underway to better understand Sjögren's disease and develop effective treatments for the disease.

Keep an open dialogue with your doctor

You are not alone. While there is currently no FDA-approved treatment for Sjögren’s disease, there are ways to relieve some of your symptoms. Keeping an open and honest relationship with your doctor about how it’s affecting you physically (and emotionally) can help you find a treatment plan that works for you.

Keeping track of your symptoms—whether you think they’re related to Sjögren’s disease or not—can help you and your doctor see the complete picture.

Help your friends and coworkers understand 

Sjögren’s disease makes it hard to know how you’ll feel today or what you’ll be able to do tomorrow. If you feel comfortable, it can help to talk about it with people in both your personal and professional life. Knowing what you’re going through will help your friends and coworkers understand your needs.

Manage your expectations and frustrations 

In a survey of about 3000 adults living with Sjögren’s disease, about half said their disease affected their ability to work, their social activities, or their sex lives.

It can be frustrating, but sometimes today may just not be the day—and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to discuss these frustrations with your doctor. They may be able to help with specific symptoms.

FDA, US Food and Drug Administration.