July 23: World Sjögren’s Day – Raising Awareness for a Complex Autoimmune Disease

World Sjögren’s Day, observed annually on July 23, is dedicated to increasing awareness of Sjögren’s disease, an autoimmune condition that primarily affects moisture-producing glands, leading to dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, and systemic complications. The date was chosen to honor Dr. Henrik Sjögren, the Swedish ophthalmologist who first identified the disease.

The Sjögren’s Foundation created this awareness day to educate the public, advocate for better healthcare access, and support individuals living with Sjögren’s disease. April is Sjögren’s Awareness Month.

Learn more about The Sjögren’s Foundation and World Sjögren’s Day.

What Is Sjögren’s Disease?

Sjögren’s disease is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s moisture-producing glands, leading to dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other areas. It can also affect the thyroid, kidneys, liver, lungs, nerves, and joints, making it a systemic disease rather than just a localized condition.

AiArthritis Disease Symptoms

AiArthritis diseases share common features such as flares, where symptoms worsen for hours to months, and improvements with physical activity, while rest can make symptoms worse. Genetic predisposition or mutations can lead to these conditions running in families, and uncontrolled inflammation often results in comorbidities, affecting 70% of patients.

Key symptoms of AiArthritis diseases include:

Severe fatigue that persists despite rest or stimulants
Brain fog, making concentration difficult
Flu-like sensations like nausea and muscle weakness
Low-grade fevers (higher in autoinflammatory diseases)
Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after long periods of inactivity
Sudden, shifting joint pain that starts and stops abruptly

Common Symptoms of Sjögren’s Disease:

Dry eyes – Grittiness, irritation, and sensitivity to light.
Dry mouth and mouth sores – Difficulty swallowing, increased dental issues, and persistent thirst.
Swollen salivary glands – Can cause discomfort and difficulty eating.
Skin rashes and dryness – A result of immune system dysfunction.

Since symptoms vary widely, Sjögren’s disease is often misdiagnosed or overlooked, leading to delays in treatment.

Learn More About Sjögren’s Disease

How to Participate in World Sjögren’s Day

There are several ways to get involved in World Sjögren’s Day and support individuals living with this condition:

Spread Awareness

Share educational posts on social media using hashtags like #WorldSjögrensDay and #SjögrensAwareness and wear blue.
Talk to friends and family about Sjögren’s symptoms and challenges to foster understanding.
Encourage workplaces and schools to provide accommodations for individuals with Sjögren’s disease.

Share Your Story

If you or a loved one has Sjögren’s disease, talk about your journey to help others recognize symptoms and seek early diagnosis.
Write a blog post or create a video explaining how Sjögren’s impacts daily life.
Engage with patient advocacy groups to connect with others and share experiences.

World Sjögren’s Day on July 23 is an opportunity to educate, advocate, and support individuals living with this complex autoimmune disease. Sjögren’s disease is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, making awareness and early intervention essential.