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Can rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome occur together?

Yes, they absolutely can occur together. This is called secondary Sjögren's syndrome, and it's actually a common comorbidity of RA.

About half of people diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome have also been diagnosed with a rheumatic condition like RA. Studies Show Full Answer

Can rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome occur together?

Yes, they absolutely can occur together. This is called secondary Sjögren's syndrome, and it's actually a common comorbidity of RA.

About half of people diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome have also been diagnosed with a rheumatic condition like RA. Studies estimate that secondary Sjögren's syndrome affects approximately 19.5 percent of people with RA, though some research suggests the prevalence may be between 5 to 10 percent.

Who's most at risk?

People with both conditions tend to be:
* Older and female
* Those with a long history of RA
* People whose RA affects internal organs, particularly the lungs
* Those with blood involvement like anemia
* Individuals with higher levels of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in their bloodstream

What to watch for:

The main symptoms of Sjögren's are dry eyes and dry mouth. If you're experiencing these along with your RA symptoms, it's worth discussing with your rheumatologist. They can run specific blood tests to check for anti-SSA or anti-SSB antibodies.

Having both conditions can make achieving remission more challenging, so early diagnosis and proper management are important.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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