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World Sjögren's Day is observed on 23 July every year to improve understanding of Sjögren's syndrome and support people living with the condition. In 2026, the observance falls on Thursday, 23 July.
Sjögren's syndrome is often associated with dry eyes and a dry mouth. However, it can affect much more than the moisture-producing glands. Some people also experience severe fatigue, joint pain, a dry cough, nerve symptoms, or problems involving organs such as the lungs and kidneys.
Greater awareness can help you recognise persistent symptoms, seek appropriate medical advice, and understand why diagnosis often requires several tests.
What Is World Sjögren's Day?
World Sjögren's Day is a global health awareness observance dedicated to Sjögren's syndrome, also called Sjögren's disease.
The day brings patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates together. Its main goals are to:
- Improve public understanding of the condition
- Encourage earlier recognition of symptoms
- Highlight the experiences of people living with Sjögren's
- Support medical education and scientific research
- Reduce misconceptions about chronic dryness and autoimmune disease
World Sjögren's Day also reminds people that symptoms such as dry eyes, dry mouth, and fatigue should not always be dismissed as normal effects of stress, ageing, or dehydration.
History And Origin Of World Sjögren's Day
World Sjögren's Day is observed on the birthday of Dr Henrik Sjögren, a Swedish ophthalmologist born on 23 July 1899.
In 1929, Dr Sjögren examined a patient who had dry eyes, dry mouth, and joint pain. He recognised that these symptoms could be connected rather than separate problems. In 1933, he published a detailed study of 19 women with similar symptoms.
His work helped establish the understanding of a systemic condition that could affect different parts of the body. The Sjögren's Foundation created World Sjögren's Day in 2005 to honour his contribution and increase awareness of the disease.
World Sjögren's Day Theme And Significance In 2026
A separate official World Sjögren's Day theme for 2026 has not been published. Instead, the official campaign centres on the World Sjögren's Day Pledge.
The pledge encourages you to choose practical actions that improve awareness. These include wearing blue, telling other people about Sjögren's, sharing a personal story, and supporting research, education, and advocacy.
This focus is important because Sjögren's is still widely misunderstood. Dryness may appear minor to someone who has not experienced the condition. For a person with Sjögren's, it can affect eating, speaking, sleeping, reading, working, and performing everyday activities.
Awareness also helps people understand that Sjögren's is a systemic autoimmune condition. It is not limited to the eyes and mouth.
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune condition. It develops when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, particularly the glands that produce tears and saliva.
This reduces moisture production and causes the two most characteristic symptoms:
- Persistent dry eyes
- Persistent dry mouth
The condition may develop on its own. It may also occur alongside another autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Sjögren's can affect people of any age, although it is more commonly diagnosed in women and often appears during middle age. Symptoms differ considerably between individuals. Some people mainly experience dryness, while others develop fatigue, pain, or wider organ involvement.
There is currently no cure, but appropriate treatment and regular monitoring can help you manage symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
Symptoms And Early Warning Signs
Symptoms may develop gradually and can be easy to overlook. Common warning signs include:
- Burning, itching, or gritty eyes
- Eye redness or sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision related to dryness
- A dry or sticky feeling in the mouth
- Frequent thirst or the need to sip water
- Difficulty speaking for long periods
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing dry food
- Frequent dental cavities
- Mouth infections or oral soreness
- Swelling near the jaw or salivary glands
- Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest
- Joint stiffness, joint pain, or muscle aches
- Dry skin, nose, or throat
- A persistent dry cough
- Difficulty concentrating or mental fog
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands or feet
These symptoms do not always mean that you have Sjögren's syndrome. Dryness can also result from dehydration, certain medicines, hormonal changes, diabetes, thyroid problems, allergies, or other health conditions.
However, you should consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms continue, worsen, or interfere with daily life.
How Sjögren's Can Affect Other Parts Of The Body
Sjögren's is a systemic disease, which means it may affect tissues and organs beyond the eyes and mouth.
Lungs And Airways
Dryness and inflammation in the airways may cause throat irritation, hoarseness, or a dry cough. In some people, Sjögren's may be associated with lung disease, including airway disorders or interstitial lung disease.
A dry cough does not always indicate lung disease. However, you should seek medical advice if it persists or occurs with breathlessness, chest discomfort, or reduced exercise tolerance.
Kidneys
Renal disease is less common, but Sjögren's may affect the small tubes within the kidneys. This can sometimes disturb the body's acid, potassium, and fluid balance.
Blood tests and urine tests may help identify renal disease, including changes that may not initially cause obvious symptoms.
Nervous System
Some people develop numbness, tingling, burning pain, muscle weakness, or problems with balance. These symptoms may result from inflammation or damage involving the nerves.
Joints, Muscles, And Skin
Joint pain, muscle aches, rashes, and increased sensitivity of the skin can occur. Symptoms may remain mild or fluctuate over time.
Tests And Diagnosis For Sjögren's Syndrome
There is no single test that can diagnose Sjögren's syndrome in every person. Your doctor will usually combine your symptoms, medical history, examination findings, and test results.
The assessment may include the following.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may check for antibodies associated with autoimmune disease, particularly anti-SSA/Ro antibodies. Other investigations may include anti-SSB/La antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, inflammation markers, and a complete blood count.
The SSA-Antibody Ro test can provide important diagnostic information. However, a positive result does not confirm Sjögren's on its own. A negative result also does not completely rule it out.
Your doctor may also assess kidney function, liver function, electrolyte levels, and other markers depending on your symptoms.
Eye Tests
The Schirmer test measures tear production using a small strip of paper placed near the lower eyelid.
An ophthalmologist may also use special dyes to examine the surface of your eyes and look for damage caused by dryness.
Salivary Gland Tests
Your doctor may measure the amount of saliva your mouth produces. Imaging can sometimes help assess the salivary glands.
In selected cases, a minor salivary gland biopsy may be performed. A small tissue sample is usually taken from the inner lip and examined for immune cell activity.
Additional Tests
Breathing tests or chest imaging may be recommended if lung disease is suspected. Urine tests and additional blood tests may be used when kidney involvement is a concern.
Your healthcare team may include a rheumatologist, ophthalmologist, dentist, nephrologist, neurologist, or pulmonologist, depending on the areas affected.
Treatment And Ongoing Care
Treatment depends on your symptoms and whether the condition affects other organs. The goal is to relieve discomfort, protect tissues from damage, and control immune system activity when necessary.
Your care plan may include:
- Artificial tears or lubricating eye preparations
- Prescription treatment for persistent eye inflammation
- Saliva substitutes or medicines that stimulate saliva production
- Pain relief for joint or muscle symptoms
- Medicines that reduce inflammation or immune activity
- Regular dental care to prevent cavities and mouth infections
- Treatment directed at lung, kidney, nerve, or other systemic involvement
Do not start medicated eye drops, immune-modifying medicines, or supplements without professional advice. Treatment needs to be selected according to your symptoms, other medical conditions, and current medicines.
Managing Daily Life With Sjögren's Syndrome
Small, consistent changes can make daily symptoms easier to manage.
- Drink water regularly and choose water instead of sugary drinks.
- Use artificial tears or eye lubricants recommended by your doctor.
- Reduce exposure to smoke, dust, strong wind, and air conditioning.
- Consider using a humidifier in dry indoor environments.
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste and attend regular dental check-ups.
- Use sugar-free chewing gum or lozenges if they are suitable for you.
- Choose moist foods and add gravies, sauces, or soups if swallowing dry food is difficult.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking, as they may worsen dryness.
- Balance activity with planned rest when fatigue is significant.
- Maintain gentle, regular physical activity according to your ability.
- Keep a record of new symptoms and discuss changes during follow-up visits.
- Ask your doctor whether any of your medicines may be contributing to dryness.
Living with a chronic condition can also affect your mood, relationships, and work. It is reasonable to seek emotional support from family members, patient groups, or a mental health professional when you need it.
Global Awareness Initiatives
World Sjögren's Day initiatives help make the condition more visible and improve understanding across communities.
Common awareness activities include:
- Sharing medically accurate educational material
- Organising workplace or community discussions
- Conducting patient education sessions
- Wearing blue as a sign of support
- Sharing patient and caregiver experiences
- Supporting research and advocacy programmes
- Encouraging healthcare education about systemic symptoms
- Challenging myths about dryness and invisible illness
You can contribute by sharing information from trusted medical organisations. Avoid posts that promise an unproven cure or claim that Sjögren's can be reversed through diet or supplements alone.
Why Patient And Caregiver Stories Matter
Sjögren's symptoms are not always visible. A person may look well while dealing with severe fatigue, eye pain, difficulty eating, or persistent discomfort.
Patient and caregiver stories help others understand these hidden challenges. They can also reassure people who are still searching for an explanation for their symptoms.
Sharing your experience is a personal choice. You can speak openly, share only selected details, or support awareness without discussing your medical history. Every informed conversation can help reduce misunderstanding.
How You Can Participate In World Sjögren's Day 2026
You can support World Sjögren's Day in several simple ways:
- Wear blue on 23 July.
- Tell five people one accurate fact about Sjögren's syndrome.
- Share an educational post with the World Sjögren's Day hashtag.
- Thank a caregiver or healthcare professional who has supported someone with the condition.
- Share your story if you feel comfortable doing so.
- Organise a short awareness discussion at work or in your community.
- Encourage someone with persistent symptoms to seek qualified medical advice.
- Support credible organisations working in research, education, and patient advocacy.
Awareness does not require a large event. A single informed conversation may help someone recognise symptoms and seek support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is World Sjögren's Day 2026?
World Sjögren's Day 2026 is observed on Thursday, 23 July.
What Is The Official Colour For World Sjögren's Day?
Blue is used to show support for World Sjögren's Day. You can wear blue or use blue awareness material to start conversations about the condition.
Is Sjögren's Syndrome Only A Dry Eye And Dry Mouth Condition?
No. Dry eyes and dry mouth are the main symptoms, but Sjögren's can also cause fatigue, joint pain, nerve symptoms, and problems involving organs such as the lungs and kidneys.
Can Sjögren's Syndrome Be Diagnosed With A Blood Test Alone?
No. Blood tests, including the SSA-Antibody Ro test, can support diagnosis. Your doctor will interpret them with your symptoms, examination findings, and eye or salivary gland tests.
Is Sjögren's Syndrome Curable?
There is currently no cure. However, treatments can relieve dryness, reduce inflammation, manage systemic problems, and help you maintain an active life.
Which Doctor Diagnoses Sjögren's Syndrome?
A rheumatologist usually coordinates diagnosis and treatment. An ophthalmologist, dentist, or other specialist may perform additional assessments depending on your symptoms.
Take A Proactive Approach To Your Health
Persistent dryness, unexplained fatigue, and joint discomfort do not automatically mean you have Sjögren's syndrome. However, symptoms that continue or affect your routine deserve appropriate evaluation.
Accurate laboratory testing can support early detection and ongoing health monitoring. Metropolis Healthcare offers more than 4,000 routine and speciality tests, including the SSA-Antibody Ro test, through a network that includes NABL and CAP-accredited laboratories.
You can book tests and full body check-ups through the website, app, call centre, or WhatsApp. Home sample collection is supported by more than 10,000 touchpoints, making it easier to access reliable reports and quick turnaround times.
Routine preventive check-ups can help you stay informed about important health markers. Condition-specific results should always be interpreted with your symptoms and clinical assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.
References
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Sjögren's Disease: Overview, Symptoms, And Causes. Last reviewed June 2024. Accessed 20 July 2026.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Sjögren's Disease: Diagnosis, Treatment, And Steps To Take. Accessed 20 July 2026.
- Shiboski CH, Shiboski SC, Seror R, et al. 2016 American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for primary Sjögren's syndrome. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017;69(1):35-45. PMID: 27785888.
- Ramos-Casals M, Brito-Zerón P, Bombardieri S, et al. EULAR recommendations for the management of Sjögren's syndrome with topical and systemic therapies. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020;79(1):3-18. PMID: 31672775.
- Lee AS, Scofield RH, Hammitt KM, et al. Consensus guidelines for evaluation and management of pulmonary disease in Sjögren's. Chest. 2021;159(2):683-698. PMID: 33075377.
- Aiyegbusi O, McGregor L, McGeoch L, Kipgen D, Geddes CC, Stevens KI. Renal disease in primary Sjögren's syndrome. Rheumatol Ther. 2021;8(1):63-80. PMID: 33367966.
