Sjögren's Syndrome Specialist in Moradabad – Dr. Kriti Kishore at Jigyasa Hospital
Dr. Kriti Kishore is a rheumatology specialist at Jigyasa Hospital, Moradabad, who evaluates and manages Sjögren's syndrome and other systemic autoimmune conditions. She assesses patients with persistent dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue, joint pain, swollen glands, skin symptoms, and unexplained organ-related complaints.
Her approach combines detailed clinical assessment, evidence-based rheumatology, and compassionate patient-centred care. She explains the relationship between dryness symptoms, autoimmune activity, eye and dental health, fatigue, joint symptoms, and possible internal organ involvement.
When Dryness Is More Than Just Dryness
Everyone experiences occasional dry eyes or a dry mouth, especially in dusty, hot, or dry weather. However, constantly reaching for eye drops, waking up at night to drink water, or needing frequent sips to swallow dry food may indicate more than ordinary dryness. Persistent and unrelenting dryness can be a sign of Sjögren's syndrome.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the glands that produce tears and saliva. Although dry eyes and dry mouth are the most recognised symptoms, the condition can also affect the joints, skin, lungs, kidneys, nerves, energy levels, and overall quality of life.
What Is Sjögren's Syndrome?
Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's moisture-producing glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, while the lacrimal glands produce tears. When these glands are affected, patients may develop persistent dry mouth, dry eyes, burning, gritty sensations, difficulty swallowing, and increased thirst.
Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic disease, which means it can affect more than the glands. Some patients develop joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, swollen salivary glands, nerve symptoms, breathing problems, kidney involvement, or difficulty concentrating. Symptoms can vary substantially between patients.
Common Symptoms of Sjögren's Syndrome
Symptoms often develop gradually, which means some patients live with Sjögren's syndrome for years before receiving a diagnosis. Dryness may be the first complaint, while fatigue, joint pain, swollen glands, skin changes, or nerve symptoms may develop later. A comprehensive rheumatology evaluation is important when symptoms persist or occur in combination.
Dryness-Related Symptoms
- • Persistent dry eyes with burning, grittiness, or a sandy sensation.
- • Dry mouth causing difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking for long periods.
- • Frequent thirst or needing water during meals.
- • Dry, cracked lips or recurring mouth sores.
- • Increased cavities because saliva is reduced.
- • Dry skin or vaginal dryness.
- • Persistent dry cough due to dryness of the airways.
- • Blurred vision or light sensitivity from dry eyes.
- • Difficulty wearing contact lenses comfortably.
- • Ongoing need for artificial tears or water.
Systemic Symptoms
- • Persistent or unexplained fatigue.
- • Joint pain and stiffness similar to arthritis.
- • Swollen salivary glands around the jaw or ears.
- • Skin rashes, especially after exposure to sunlight.
- • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
- • Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy.
- • Eye discomfort, blurred vision, or light sensitivity.
- • Breathing or kidney-related symptoms in some patients.
Since these symptoms can resemble other autoimmune or rheumatic conditions, proper evaluation is essential. Dryness accompanied by fatigue, joint pain, swollen glands, recurrent dental problems, or organ-related symptoms should not be ignored.
What Causes Sjögren's Syndrome?
The exact cause of Sjögren's syndrome is not fully understood. It is believed to result from an interaction between genetic susceptibility, immune system dysfunction, hormonal influences, and environmental triggers. These factors may cause the immune system to target and damage the glands responsible for producing tears and saliva.
Possible Contributing Factors
- • Family history of autoimmune disease or genetic predisposition.
- • Immune system dysfunction affecting moisture-producing glands.
- • Hormonal influences, particularly in women around menopause.
- • Viral or bacterial infections that may trigger disease.
- • Coexisting rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or another autoimmune condition.
- • Environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals.
Personalised Sjögren's Care
Treatment is tailored according to the severity of dryness, affected glands, systemic symptoms, associated autoimmune conditions, and the patient's overall health.
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
Assessment may include autoimmune antibody tests, inflammatory markers, tear production testing, saliva evaluation, eye examination, and biopsy when required.
Dryness and Complication Prevention
Care focuses on relieving eye and mouth dryness, protecting the cornea and teeth, managing systemic symptoms, and detecting complications early.
Coordinated Multidisciplinary Care
Rheumatology care can be coordinated with ophthalmology and dental specialists to address the eyes, mouth, salivary glands, joints, and other affected organs.
Trusted Rheumatology Care in Moradabad
Patients from Moradabad, Rampur, Sambhal, Amroha, Bijnor, and nearby districts visit Jigyasa Hospital for autoimmune and Sjögren's syndrome management.
How Is Sjögren's Syndrome Diagnosed?
Diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome can be challenging because symptoms often develop slowly and overlap with other autoimmune, hormonal, medication-related, and environmental conditions. Dr. Kriti Kishore uses a structured evaluation to assess dryness, systemic symptoms, gland function, laboratory findings, and possible organ involvement.
1. Detailed Medical History
The consultation covers the duration and severity of dry eyes, dry mouth, thirst, dental problems, fatigue, joint symptoms, skin changes, swollen glands, family history, and any associated autoimmune condition.
2. Physical Examination
The eyes, mouth, salivary glands, skin, joints, lymph nodes, and other relevant systems are examined for signs consistent with Sjögren's syndrome or another rheumatic disease.
3. Blood Tests
Tests may include anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antibodies, rheumatoid factor, ANA, inflammatory markers, blood counts, kidney function, and other studies based on the patient's symptoms and medical history.
4. Schirmer's Test
Schirmer's test measures tear production using a small strip placed near the lower eyelid. It helps objectively assess whether the eyes are producing an adequate amount of tears.
5. Salivary Flow Tests
Salivary flow testing measures saliva production and helps determine the severity of dry mouth. These results may be considered alongside symptoms, dental findings, and blood tests.
6. Lip or Salivary Gland Biopsy
In selected cases, a small biopsy of minor salivary glands, usually from the inner lip, may help confirm the diagnosis when other findings are inconclusive or further confirmation is needed.
7. Eye Examination
An ophthalmologist may assess the surface of the eye, tear film, cornea, and degree of dryness. Additional tests may be recommended when there is pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or suspected eye-surface damage.
Since Sjögren's syndrome can affect internal organs, additional blood, urine, lung, kidney, nerve, or imaging tests may be advised according to the patient's symptoms and examination findings.
Treatment for Sjögren's Syndrome at Jigyasa Hospital
There is currently no permanent cure for Sjögren's syndrome, but treatment can relieve dryness, control systemic disease activity, protect the eyes and teeth, manage joint or fatigue symptoms, and prevent complications. Dr. Kriti Kishore selects treatment according to the glands and organs affected and the severity of symptoms.
1. Managing Dry Eyes
- • Regular artificial tears and lubricating eye drops.
- • Prescription eye drops for more significant dryness.
- • Avoiding wind, smoke, dust, and other environmental triggers.
- • Taking breaks during prolonged screen use.
- • Ophthalmology referral for specialised treatment when needed.
- • Protecting the eye surface through regular monitoring.
2. Managing Dry Mouth
- • Frequent small sips of water throughout the day.
- • Sugar-free lozenges or chewing gum to stimulate saliva.
- • Saliva substitutes or stimulating medicines when appropriate.
- • Regular dental check-ups and excellent oral hygiene.
- • Avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.
- • Early treatment of cavities, gum disease, or mouth sores.
3. Medicines for Systemic Symptoms
- • Pain relievers or NSAIDs for joint pain and mild discomfort when suitable.
- • Hydroxychloroquine may be considered for fatigue, joint pain, or skin symptoms in selected patients.
- • Immunosuppressive medicines for significant systemic or organ involvement.
- • Corticosteroids for flares or serious organ-involving disease at the lowest effective dose.
4. Managing Fatigue
Fatigue can be one of the most disruptive symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome. Management may include controlling disease activity, improving sleep, treating anaemia or other associated conditions, pacing daily activities, and introducing gentle regular exercise according to the patient's ability.
A balanced routine is usually more helpful than alternating between excessive activity and complete rest. Patients are encouraged to plan activities, take regular breaks, and gradually build stamina while monitoring for worsening symptoms.
5. Monitoring for Complications
Regular monitoring may assess dental health, eye-surface damage, lung involvement, kidney function, nerve symptoms, swollen glands, and other systemic concerns. A small subset of patients has an increased long-term risk of lymphoma, which makes consistent follow-up and reporting of new or unusual symptoms important.
6. Coordinated Multidisciplinary Care
Because Sjögren's syndrome can affect several organ systems, care may involve rheumatology, ophthalmology, dentistry, pulmonology, nephrology, neurology, or other specialists. This coordinated approach helps address dryness, systemic symptoms, organ involvement, and long-term prevention together.
Why Choose Dr. Kriti Kishore at Jigyasa Hospital?
Sjögren's syndrome is often mistaken for ordinary dryness, ageing, weather-related irritation, or medication side effects. This can delay proper diagnosis and treatment. A rheumatology consultation is valuable when dryness persists or is accompanied by fatigue, joint symptoms, swollen glands, dental issues, or possible organ involvement.
- • Dedicated rheumatology consultation for systemic autoimmune conditions.
- • Comprehensive diagnostic facilities, including a NABL-accredited laboratory.
- • Individualised treatment for dryness and systemic disease activity.
- • Regular follow-up to monitor symptoms and complications.
- • Coordinated care with ophthalmology and dental specialists when needed.
- • 24/7 emergency care availability.
- • Treatment support under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY empanelment for eligible patients.
- • Convenient access for patients from Moradabad, Rampur, Sambhal, Amroha, and Bijnor.
Living Well with Sjögren's Syndrome
Daily habits can make dryness more manageable and help protect the eyes, mouth, teeth, skin, and airways. Patients should plan ahead for dry environments, keep supportive products available, maintain regular dental and eye care, and remain aware of changes that may indicate systemic disease activity.
- • Keep lubricating eye drops and water available.
- • Maintain excellent dental hygiene and regular dental visits.
- • Use a humidifier during dry seasons or in dry indoor environments.
- • Stay well hydrated throughout the day.
- • Pace activities and prioritise consistent sleep.
- • Avoid smoke, excessive caffeine, alcohol, and other dryness triggers.
- • Attend regular rheumatology follow-up appointments.
- • Report swollen glands, breathing changes, eye symptoms, or new joint pain promptly.
With appropriate treatment and ongoing monitoring, many people with Sjögren's syndrome can manage dryness, fatigue, joint symptoms, and systemic disease effectively. Consistent eye care, dental care, hydration, healthy routines, and regular medical reviews are central to long-term well-being.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Kriti Kishore
Jigyasa Hospital offers comprehensive rheumatology care for Sjögren's syndrome and other systemic autoimmune conditions under the guidance of Dr. Kriti Kishore. Early evaluation can help identify the cause of persistent dryness and support better eye, dental, joint, and overall health.
Near Miglani Cinema, Rampur Road, Moradabad 244001
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7900903333Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sjögren's syndrome just about dry eyes and dry mouth?
No. Dry eyes and dry mouth are the hallmark symptoms, but Sjögren's syndrome is a systemic autoimmune condition. It can also cause fatigue, joint pain, skin symptoms, swollen salivary glands, nerve symptoms, and, in some patients, involvement of the lungs, kidneys, or other organs.
Is Sjögren's syndrome the same as naturally dry eyes?
No. Ordinary dry eyes may result from weather, screen use, ageing, or environmental irritation and often improve with routine lubricating drops. Sjögren's syndrome causes persistent dryness due to autoimmune damage to moisture-producing glands and may occur with fatigue, joint pain, or other systemic symptoms.
Can Sjögren's syndrome occur along with other autoimmune diseases?
Yes. Sjögren's syndrome may occur on its own, which is called primary Sjögren's syndrome, or alongside another autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. When it develops with another autoimmune disease, it is commonly referred to as secondary Sjögren's syndrome.
Is Sjögren's syndrome curable?
There is currently no permanent cure for Sjögren's syndrome, but symptoms and disease activity can be managed effectively. Treatment can relieve dryness, protect the eyes and teeth, control joint or systemic symptoms, and help patients maintain an active and comfortable life.
Does Sjögren's syndrome increase cancer risk?
A small subset of patients with Sjögren's syndrome may have an increased long-term risk of lymphoma. This does not mean that every patient will develop cancer, but regular rheumatology follow-up is important to monitor symptoms, swollen glands, organ involvement, and other changes promptly.
When should I see a rheumatologist for suspected Sjögren's syndrome?
You should consider a rheumatology evaluation if dry eyes or dry mouth persist for several months, especially when accompanied by fatigue, joint pain, swollen glands, skin symptoms, numbness, breathing changes, or recurrent dental problems. Early assessment can help identify an autoimmune cause.
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