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Sjögren's Specialist Near You in St Pete, FL, Oldsmar, FL, & Clearwater, FL

Sjögren's Syndrome Treatment

Sjögren's disease is a chronic autoimmune condition best known for its hallmark symptoms: dry eyes and dry mouth. However, the impact of Sjogren's symptoms can extend much further, including joint pain, fatigue, and even organ involvement. A timely and accurate Sjogren's syndrome diagnosis from a Sjogren's specialist is essential for managing your condition and improving your quality of life.

Bay Area Rheumatology’s board-certified providers are recognized experts in diagnosing and treating Sjogren's disease. We serve patients throughout the Tampa/St. Petersburg metro area – Clearwater, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, and beyond – offering advanced, compassionate care and patient advocacy that ensures you receive the best Sjogren's treatment for your needs. 

If you are searching for a Sjogren's doctor near you to help manage your persistent dryness, fatigue, or joint pain, we invite you to request an appointment with our expert team today.

Appointments

Sjögrens

Sjögren's Syndrome Treatment in Oldsmar, FL, & Clearwater, FL

What Is Sjögren's Disease?

Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's moisture-producing glands. This immune activity causes the characteristic dryness associated with Sjogren's symptoms – notably dry eyes and dry mouth (sicca syndrome) – but may also impact joints, skin, lungs, kidneys, and nerves.

Sjogren's disease can exist as a primary condition or occur alongside other autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Genetics and environmental factors, such as viral infections, are thought to contribute to the Sjogren's syndrome causes. Women are disproportionately affected, with most diagnoses occurring in middle-aged females.

What Are the Symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome?

The range and severity of Sjogren's symptoms can vary, making an early Sjogren's syndrome diagnosis challenging. Classic symptoms include:

  • Dry Eyes: Grittiness, burning, a feeling of sand, redness, or sensitivity to light.
  • Dry Mouth: Chalky sensation, frequent need for water, trouble swallowing or speaking, increased tooth decay.
  • Joint and Muscle Pain: Similar to those seen with other inflammatory rheumatic conditions.
  • Fatigue: Deep, chronic exhaustion not improved by rest.
  • Other Dryness: Involvement of skin, nose, throat, and vaginal tissues.
  • Systemic Effects: In severe cases, involvement of lungs, kidneys, liver, blood vessels, or nerves.

If you notice persistent or worsening dryness along with these additional issues, seeing a Sjogren's specialist near you is important for appropriate care.

How Is Sjögren’s Syndrome Diagnosed and Tested?

There is no single Sjogren's syndrome test. Instead, a combination of exams and investigations performed by a skilled Sjogren's doctor is used:

  • Comprehensive Medical History & Physical Exam: Discussion of dryness, pain, fatigue, and other Sjogren's symptoms. Eye and oral exams help identify visible signs.
  • Blood Tests: Look for inflammation markers and Sjögren’s-specific antibodies (anti-SSA/Ro, anti-SSB/La).
  • Sjogren's Syndrome Tests: Your provider may recommend the Schirmer's test (to measure tear production), ocular surface staining, or tests for saliva flow.
  • Biopsy: Sometimes, a minor salivary gland lip biopsy is performed to confirm the Sjogren's syndrome diagnosis.

Having a dedicated Sjogren's specialist ensures that diagnosis is swift, accurate, and comprehensive.

What Does Sjögren's Treatment Involve?

A tailored Sjogren syndrome treatment plan targets your specific symptoms and reduces the risk of complications:

  • Sjogren's Treatment for Dryness: Lubricating eye drops, prescription treatments like Restasis® or Xiidra® for dry eyes, and saliva-stimulating medications (Salagen®, Evoxac®) or saliva substitutes for dry mouth.
  • Systemic Symptom Management: For joint pain and inflammation, NSAIDs or antimalarial drugs like Plaquenil® (hydroxychloroquine) are standard. More severe systemic symptoms may require immunosuppressive medications.
  • Preventing Complications: Your rheumatologist will monitor you for dental decay, eye issues, or signs of systemic involvement.

Working with a Sjogren's doctor near me at Bay Area Rheumatology means you have a committed team who will help manage insurance authorizations and advocate for your access to the latest Sjogren's disease treatments.

Why Choose Bay Area Rheumatology for Sjogren's Syndrome?

When seeking a Sjogren's specialist in the Tampa Bay area, trust the team with national recognition and unwavering dedication to patient care. Our board-certified rheumatologists actively contribute to clinical research, teach at leading institutions, and are experts in diagnosing and managing complex autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren's syndrome. Our quick access to appointments and convenient Clearwater and Oldsmar clinic locations make us the premier choice for those searching for a Sjogren's specialist near them.

How Do I Schedule an Appointment?

Take charge of your health by connecting with a Sjogren's specialist. Bay Area Rheumatology provides simple online scheduling options and ensures fast appointment availability so you can get the diagnosis and Sjogren syndrome treatment you deserve—close to home. We look forward to welcoming you to our Tampa-area clinics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sjögren's Syndrome

What are the most common Sjogren's symptoms?

The hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth. Many patients also have joint pain, fatigue, and dryness of the nose or skin.

How is a Sjogren's syndrome diagnosis confirmed?

Diagnosis is made using a combination of blood tests, Sjogren's syndrome tests for tear and saliva production, and sometimes a lip biopsy. Your Sjogren's doctor will create the most appropriate testing plan for you.

Can Sjögren's disease cause serious complications?

Yes. Dental decay, eye problems, and, less commonly, involvement of organs such as the lungs or kidneys can occur. Regular follow-up with a Sjogren's specialist is essential.

What is the standard Sjogren's treatment?

Treatment is highly individualized but often includes lubricating eye drops, medications that stimulate saliva, and immunosuppressive drugs for systemic symptoms.

Bay Area Rheumatology: Compassionate Care. Advanced Medicine.

Visit the Top Sjögren's Specialist Near You

AppointmentsCLEARWATER: (727) 734-6631OLDSMAR: (727) 263-0800