What is a common presenting symptom of Sjögren's syndrome

• A. Dry Eyes and Dry Mouth
• B. Fever and Parotid Swelling
• C. Seizures
• D. Chronic Cough

Answer: (A)

Sjögren's syndrome presents mainly as autoimmune destruction of exocrine glands, leading to sicca symptoms. The hallmark is dryness of the eyes and mouth due to impaired tear and saliva production from destruction of the lacrimal and salivary glands. This dryness—often described as gritty eyes, burning, and a persistently dry mouth—drives patients to seek care and is the best clue to the diagnosis. While some patients may have parotid enlargement or other autoimmune associations, fever, seizures, or chronic cough are not typical presenting features. Diagnostic clues include reduced tear production on testing, dry mouth symptoms, and autoantibodies such as SSA/Ro and SSB/La, with biopsy showing focal lymphocytic sialadenitis in uncertain cases. Treatment focuses on symptomatic relief with artificial tears and saliva substitutes, and agents that stimulate secretion can be used in appropriate cases.