World Sjögren’s Day and Sjögren’s Syndrome Awareness
World Sjögren’s Day is observed every year on 23 July — the birthday of Swedish ophthalmologist Dr Henrik Sjögren, who first identified the syndrome in 1933. The day exists to promote understanding of Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the glands responsible for producing tears and saliva, causing widespread dryness and systemic complications.
The condition affects approximately 1 in 70 people worldwide, making it one of the most common autoimmune diseases after rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Women account for roughly 90% of all diagnosed cases. Despite this prevalence, Sjögren’s syndrome remains poorly understood by the general public and is frequently misdiagnosed — on average, patients wait 2.8 years before receiving an accurate diagnosis.
As rheumatologists and patient advocacy groups consistently observe, Sjögren’s syndrome is far more than a “dry eye and dry mouth” condition — it is a systemic disease capable of affecting the joints, nervous system, kidneys, lungs, and increasing the long-term risk of lymphoma.
Date and Purpose of World Sjögren’s Day
World Sjögren’s Day is held annually on 23 July, chosen specifically to coincide with Dr Henrik Sjögren’s birthday. Born in 1899, Dr Sjögren first described the syndrome in his 1933 doctoral thesis after observing a cluster of patients presenting with chronic dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis. The commemorative day serves three interconnected goals:
- Educating the public about the symptoms, complexity, and systemic impact of Sjögren’s syndrome
- Reducing the diagnostic delay that affects the majority of patients
- Honouring Dr Sjögren’s foundational contribution to autoimmune medicine
History and Definition of Sjögren’s Syndrome
Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own moisture-producing glands — primarily the lacrimal (tear) and salivary glands. The result is progressive impairment of glandular secretion, leading to dryness across multiple tissues and organs.
Dr Sjögren’s 1933 publication identified the triad of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eyes), xerostomia (dry mouth), and arthritis as a distinct clinical entity, separating it from other conditions with overlapping features. Decades of subsequent research confirmed that the disease involves lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, driven by dysregulated B- and T-cell activity. The condition is currently incurable, though active research into its immunological mechanisms continues globally.
Symptoms and Manifestations
Sjögren’s syndrome presents with a broad spectrum of symptoms, which vary considerably between individuals and often fluctuate over time — a key reason diagnosis is frequently delayed.
| Category | Specific Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Dryness (primary) | Dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), dry mouth (xerostomia), dry skin (xeroderma), dry nose, vaginal dryness |
| Musculoskeletal | Joint pain, muscle pain, morning stiffness |
| Neurological | Peripheral neuropathy, numbness or tingling in extremities |
| Systemic / other | Fatigue, chronic cough, digestive issues, thyroid dysfunction |
| Oral health | Significantly increased dental caries due to reduced saliva |
| Long-term risk | Elevated risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (approximately 5–10× higher than the general population) |
Because symptoms do not always appear simultaneously and can mimic other conditions — including fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and menopause — the syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed or goes unrecognised for years.
Prevalence and Diagnosis
Sjögren’s syndrome affects an estimated 1 in 70 people globally, with diagnoses most common in middle age, though the condition can develop at any age and across virtually all racial and ethnic groups.
The syndrome may be classified in two ways:
- Primary Sjögren’s syndrome: occurs independently, without another underlying autoimmune disease
- Secondary Sjögren’s syndrome: develops alongside another connective tissue disorder such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment, blood tests (including anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies), Schirmer’s test for tear production, salivary flow measurement, and in some cases a minor salivary gland biopsy. The average diagnostic journey of 2.8 years reflects both the variability of presentation and insufficient awareness among non-specialist clinicians.
Treatment and Patient Support
There is currently no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, and no treatment exists that can restore normal glandular secretion. Management focuses on symptomatic relief and preventing organ damage. The most widely used approaches include:
- Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops — first-line treatment for dry eye symptoms
- Saliva substitutes and stimulants — including prescription medications such as pilocarpine (Salagen) and cevimeline, which stimulate residual gland function
- Punctal plugs — small devices inserted into tear ducts to reduce drainage and preserve natural moisture
- Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications — such as hydroxychloroquine, used to manage systemic inflammation
- Preventive dental care — regular fluoride treatments and hygiene protocols to counteract the caries risk from reduced saliva
In cases with serious systemic involvement — such as vasculitis, peripheral neuropathy, or renal complications — stronger immunosuppressive or biologic therapies may be required under specialist supervision.
How Sjögren’s Syndrome Is Managed in Australia
In Australia, Sjögren’s syndrome is recognised by the Australian Rheumatology Association as an autoimmune rheumatic disease requiring interdisciplinary management. Patients typically receive care from rheumatologists and ophthalmologists through both public and private clinics, with services accessible under Medicare.
For patients with severe, disabling symptoms, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may provide tailored support, covering services such as personal care assistance, aids and equipment, and allied health therapies. Nationally, patient advocacy and education are supported by Rare Voices Australia, which focuses specifically on rare and complex rheumatological diseases. Australian rheumatology research groups also contribute to international clinical trials investigating the pathogenesis and potential new treatments for Sjögren’s syndrome.
The Role of the Sjögren’s Foundation and How to Participate
The Sjögren’s Foundation, based in the United States, is the leading non-profit organisation globally dedicated to Sjögren’s syndrome research, patient support, and public education. It coordinates World Sjögren’s Day activities internationally and funds research into disease mechanisms and emerging therapies.
There are several meaningful ways to participate on 23 July and throughout the year:
- Learn about the condition through reputable sources, including the Sjögren’s Foundation website and peer-reviewed patient guides
- Share information on social media using the hashtag #WorldSjogrensDay to amplify awareness
- Donate to organisations funding Sjögren’s research and patient support programmes
- If you live with Sjögren’s syndrome, share your personal story — patient narratives are one of the most effective tools for reducing diagnostic delay and building public empathy
- Encourage healthcare providers in your network to include Sjögren’s syndrome in differential diagnoses for patients presenting with unexplained dryness, fatigue, or joint pain
Through these combined efforts — advocacy, research, and community support — organisations like the Sjögren’s Foundation and Rare Voices Australia work to shorten the diagnostic journey and improve quality of life for the estimated millions of people worldwide living with this often-invisible condition.
