Sjogren's Syndrome Diagnosis, Treatment & Cost
PACE Hospitals provides comprehensive
Sjogren’s Syndrome treatment in Hyderabad, India, with a patient-focused approach aimed at accurate evaluation and long-term symptom control. Our specialists emphasize early and precise Sjogren’s Syndrome diagnosis through detailed clinical assessment, autoimmune markers, and a confirmatory blood test, with additional investigations used to assess organ involvement and disease severity. Treatment for Sjogren’s Syndrome is individualized to relieve dryness, reduce inflammation, and prevent systemic complications, supported by a multidisciplinary team that ensures targeted therapy, regular monitoring, and improved quality of life.
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Why Choose PACE Hospitals for Sjögren’s Syndrome Treatment?
Advanced Diagnostic Facilities: Detailed Clinical Evaluation, Blood Tests (ANA, Anti-SSA/Ro, Anti-SSB/La), Salivary Gland Imaging & Biopsy
Sjögren’s Syndrome Diagnosis & Treatment by Leading Rheumatologists in Hyderabad
Comprehensive Treatment Options: Symptomatic Dry Eye & Mouth Management, Immunomodulatory Therapy & Personalized Supportive Care
Affordable Sjögren’s Syndrome Treatment with Insurance & Cashless Options
Sjogren's Syndrome Diagnosis
There is no single test to diagnose Sjogren's syndrome, as it shows different symptoms in different individuals. Doctors will ask about the symptoms and check any other potential causes. A Rheumatologist (a doctor specialising in treating autoimmune diseases) will diagnose this disease. An Ophthalmologist (a Doctor specialising in treating eyes) and a Dentist can also diagnose this disease by performing some tests. The diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome is used to assess the function of the lacrimal (tear-producing) and salivary glands (saliva-producing). Medical history and physical examinations play an important role in evaluating Sjogren's syndrome. A rheumatologist will check the following before selecting the appropriate diagnostic tests for Sjogren’s syndrome:
- Medical history
- Physical examination
Medical history
In diagnosing Sjogren's syndrome, medical history plays a crucial role. The rheumatology doctor may ask the following questions:
- Is there daily or persistent dryness of the eyes (xerophthalmia)?
- Is there daily or persistent dryness of the mouth (xerostomia)?Are any tear substitutes used?
- Is fatigue present?
- Is there a sensation of sand or gravel in the eyes?
Physical examination
The rheumatology physician will check the eye during the physical examination to make sure there is no tear pooling in the inferior conjunctival sac, dry mouth, dry skin, tooth decay, parotitis (swelling of the parotid gland), dry cough, swollen joints, etc.
✅Diagnostic tests for Sjogren's syndrome
Based on the above information, the rheumatologist might advise the following sjogren's syndrome tests to diagnose Sjogren's syndrome:
Laboratory investigations
- Blood tests
- SS-A(Ro) and SS-B (La) antibodies
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA)
- Rheumatoid Factor
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Immunoglobulins
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis
- Imaging tests
- Sialogram/ Sialography
Diagnostic procedure/ clinical tests
- Schirmer tear test
- Ocular surface staining
- Labial gland biopsy
Blood tests
- SS-A (Ro) and SS-B (La) antibodies: These are autoantibodies found in Sjogren's syndrome. Usually, the body cells that produce antibodies against molecular targets of their own tissues are eliminated. But if this mechanism works, antibodies are produced against the body's own tissues, leading to an autoimmune disease. SS-A and SS-B antibodies that bind molecular targets within their own cells. These antibodies are used to identify Sjogren's syndrome, but their presence does not confirm the disease.
- Antinuclear antibody (ANA): These autoantibodies are used to test for autoimmune diseases. The test is positive for Sjogren's syndrome, where antibodies target the patient's own cells, but it can also be positive in healthy individuals and in other autoimmune diseases.
- Rheumatoid factor: This test is used to detect rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. This rheumatoid factor can also be found in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test is used to check the number of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin levels, and platelet count. Leukopenia (decreased white blood cell count) is common in Sjogren's syndrome.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): ESR is a test used to check the degree of inflammation. ESR can also be used to detect the immunoglobulins in the body, as seen in Sjogren's syndrome.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): The CRP test is used to check for inflammation. This test usually elevates when there is any infection or injury. CRP can also be elevated in cases of autoimmune diseases.
- Immunoglobulins: This test measures the levels of immunoglobulins, such as IgM, IgG, and IgA, in the blood. These immunoglobulins are elevated in Sjogren’s syndrome.
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis: This test is used to evaluate the inflammation, immune activity and abnormal protein production. This test is used to diagnose autoimmune diseases.
Imaging tests
- Sialogram/sialography: This is an X-ray used to detect the production of saliva in the mouth. A catheter, which is a small flexible tube, is inserted through the mouth into the duct of the salivary gland. A special dye is injected into the duct to show up on the X-ray. These X-rays are repeated several times to drain saliva into the mouth.
Diagnostic procedures / clinical tests
- Schirmer’s test: The Schirmer's test is used to assess tear production in the eyes. Before the test, eyedrops are given to prevent tearing from paper irritation. In this test, calibrated strips of filter paper are used, with one end placed under the lower eyelid; the subject is asked to close the eyes for 5 minutes. Both eyes were tested at the same time; strips were removed, and the amount of wetting on the paper was measured.
- Ocular surface staining: It is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the ocular surface (the surface of the eye) for dryness. Non-toxic-stained eyedrops are used to evaluate the tear film and any damage to the ocular surface. Lissamine green and fluorescein are the dyes used in this procedure.
- Labial gland biopsy: To diagnose Sjogren's syndrome, salivary gland biopsies are performed to assess inflammation and its severity. Cobblestones, which are minor salivary glands present on the inner surface of the lip, are used in the procedure to evaluate inflammation.
✅Sjogren's Syndrome Differential Diagnosis
The signs and symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome are very common, non-specific and can be similar to other diseases. It is very challenging to diagnose this disease with other autoimmune or non-autoimmune diseases. A few differential diagnoses include:
- Sarcoidosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hashimoto thyroiditis
- Mumps
- HIV infection
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Medications (drug-induced symptoms)
- IgG4-related disease
Sarcoidosis: It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of multiple organs, especially the lungs. Pulmonary symptoms of sarcoidosis and Sjogren's syndrome are similar, which makes it very difficult to diagnose.
Rheumatoid arthritis: It is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of multiple organs, especially joints. Symptoms include joint swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and chronic pain.
Hashimoto thyroiditis: This causes inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), an autoimmune condition. Dry skin, dry hair, and fatigue are some of the symptoms.
Mumps: Mumps is a contagious viral infection that causes swelling of the parotid (salivary) glands, fever, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite as primary symptoms. It may mimic Sjogren's syndrome through parotitis but does not cause xerophthalmia (eye dryness).
HIV infection: HIV does not cause Sjogren's syndrome, but it can mimic symptoms such as sicca (dryness) and swelling of the salivary glands.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus also have Sjogren's syndrome, as both are autoimmune diseases with similar symptoms. Lupus affects the glands and organs that produce moisture.
Medications (drug-induced symptoms): Some medications used to treat nerve signals can cause symptoms such as dryness of the skin, eyes, and mouth, which are similar to those of Sjogren's syndrome.
IgG4-related disease: This disease shares symptoms with Sjogren's syndrome. It is a long-term autoimmune disease causing inflammation of exocrine glands.
✅Goals of Therapy for Sjogren's Syndrome
The goals of treatment of Sjogren's syndrome are mainly focused on management of symptoms, to relieve pain or inflammation, and to prevent complications. A few goals of treatment include:
- Preventing dryness of the mouth, eyes, and skin
- To prevent complications like dental cavities, tooth decay
- Maintaining oral health, speech and swallowing
- Prevention of corneal damage and infections
- Managing the pain and inflammation
- Minimisation of the adverse effects related to the treatment
Sjogren's Syndrome Treatment
Sjogren's syndrome has no cure. Treatment mainly includes managing symptoms, preventing complications, improving quality of life, and preventing organ dysfunction. They are:
- Non-pharmacological
- Pharmacological
Non-pharmacological treatment
- Avoiding smoking, exposure to wind or very dry interventions for dry eyes.
- Sip water or liquids often.
- Avoiding drinks containing caffeine, tea or soda to manage dry mouth
- Avoid using tobacco or alcohol, which may dry out the mouth
- Chew sugarless candy or gums, which stimulate saliva
- Medications that cause dryness and irritation should be avoided
- Use moisturisers to prevent dryness of the skin
- In vaginal dryness, vaginal moisturisers and lubricants are used
- Maintain oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and dental cavities.
Pharmacological treatment
- Eye
- Artificial tears
- Eye ointments
- Plugs to block tear ducts
- Mouth
- Artificial saliva
- Saliva production stimulators
- Antifungal medications
Some of the pain relievers or over-the-counter medications are also used for symptomatic pain relief.
- Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers
- Corticosteroids
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and anti-malarial drugs
- Acid reflux medications
For eye
- Artificial tears: These are eyedrops that lubricate the eye to prevent dryness and irritation in Sjogren's syndrome. These help prevent corneal damage and eye inflammation.
- Eye ointments: Eye ointments are lubricating agents thicker than eye drops, providing longer-lasting moisture. Eye ointments are advised to be used at night as they may cause blurred vision.
- Plugs to block tear ducts: These are small devices placed in the tear duct drainage system to keep tears in the eyes longer. These help improve lubrication and prevent dry eye.
For mouth
- Artificial saliva: It is a lubricant used to relieve mouth dryness in Sjogren's syndrome. They reduce oral irritation and maintain mouth moisture, helping with speaking and swallowing.
- Saliva production stimulators: These are the agents used to enhance the action of salivary and lacrimal glands. Some medications are used to stimulate saliva and tear production to prevent dryness in Sjogren's syndrome.
- Antifungal medications: Candidiasis, a fungal infection caused by dry mouth, is common in Sjogren's syndrome. Antifungal medications are used to treat infections associated with Sjogren's syndrome.
Others
Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers: These are the medications used to relieve joint or muscle pain, swelling of glands in Sjogren's syndrome.
Corticosteroids: These are the medications used to treat pain and inflammation. Usually, lower doses of these medications are given in rare, severe cases of this disease.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These are medications used to treat immune-related joint or muscle pain.
Acid reflux medications: An increase in stomach acidity is seen in Sjogren's syndrome patients due to reduced saliva production. These medications are used to counteract the problem.
✅Sjogren's Syndrome Prognosis
Overall, the prognosis of Sjogren's syndrome is good, and patients with this disease have a standard quality of life. However, the life expectancy of Sjogren's syndrome is reduced when compared with that of normal people. Some of the severe complications, like cardiovascular disease, solid tumours, lymphoma and infections, are the leading causes of death.
Sjögren’s Syndrome Treatment Cost in Hyderabad, India
The cost of Sjögren’s syndrome treatment in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹25,000 to ₹3,20,000 (approx. US $300 – US $3,855).
The exact cost of treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition, organs involved (eyes, mouth, joints, lungs, kidneys, or nervous system), type of Sjögren’s syndrome (primary or secondary), duration of treatment, medications required, need for immunosuppressive or biologic therapy, and frequency of follow-up visits. Hospital facilities, specialist expertise, diagnostic investigations, and availability of cashless treatment options, TPA corporate tie-ups, and insurance support also influence the overall cost.
Cost Breakdown According to Type of Sjögren’s Syndrome Treatment
- Symptomatic Treatment (Dry Eyes & Dry Mouth Management) – ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 (US $300 – US $720)
- Medical Management with Immunomodulators – ₹50,000 – ₹1,20,000 (US $600 – US $1,445)
- Sjögren’s Syndrome with Joint or Systemic Involvement – ₹80,000 – ₹2,00,000 (US $960 – US $2,410)
- Severe Sjögren’s Syndrome Requiring Immunosuppressive Therapy – ₹1,20,000 – ₹3,20,000 (US $1,445 – US $3,855)
- Sjögren’s Syndrome with IVIG / Biologic Therapy – ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,20,000 (US $2,165 – US $3,855)
How to prevent Sjogren’s syndrome?
Sjogren’s syndrome cannot be prevented, but the risks of Sjogren’s syndrome can be managed by changing lifestyles, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and stress. Increasing fluid intake and applying moisturisers are among the instructions to minimise the risk of Sjogren's syndrome.
Which Is the best hospital for Sjögren’s Syndrome Treatment in Hyderabad, India?
PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, is a trusted centre for the diagnosis and long-term management of Sjögren’s syndrome and autoimmune rheumatological disorders, offering coordinated care for patients with both mild and complex systemic disease.
We have team of experienced rheumatologists, immunologists, ophthalmologists, neurologists, pulmonologists, nephrologists, and internal medicine specialists work together to manage Sjögren’s syndrome using evidence-based treatment protocols and personalised care plans.
We provided highly sophisticated assessment techniques with access to advanced autoimmune testing, salivary gland evaluation, imaging services, ophthalmic assessments, pulmonary function testing, and structured follow-up programs, PACE Hospitals ensures safe, effective, and patient-focused care — supported by cashless insurance options, TPA corporate tie-ups, and comprehensive documentation assistance.
What tests confirm Sjogren's syndrome diagnosis?
There is no single test to diagnose Sjogren's syndrome, as it manifests differently in different individuals. These tests include blood tests (SSA and SSB antibodies, ANA antibody test, ESR, CBC, CRP), eye tests such as the Schirmer test, Labial gland biopsy, and mouth tests such as sialography, among others, to diagnose Sjogren's syndrome.
Can lifestyle changes help manage Sjogren's syndrome?
Yes, some of the lifestyle changes can help in treating Sjogren's syndrome, like avoiding smoking and alcohol, and avoiding drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea. Use of moisturisers, frequent consumption of sugar-free beverages, avoidance of medications that cause dryness, use of humidifiers, and maintaining oral hygiene all help manage Sjogren's syndrome.
Is Sjogren's syndrome progressive?
Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic disease that can progress slowly. The progression of dryness symptoms may be stable for a longer period, which is usually seen in middle-aged people. Some systemic complications affecting the kidneys, lungs, and blood vessels should be monitored regularly.
What Is the cost of Sjögren’s Syndrome Treatment at PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad?
At PACE Hospitals, Hyderabad, the cost of Sjögren’s syndrome treatment typically ranges from ₹23,000 to ₹3,00,000 and above (approx. US $275 – US $3,615), making it a cost-effective option for specialised autoimmune disease management compared to many tertiary centres in Hyderabad. However, the final cost depends on:
- Type and severity of Sjögren’s syndrome
- Organs involved and systemic complications
- Duration and intensity of medical therapy
- Requirement for immunosuppressants or biologic agents
- Specialist consultations and monitoring needs
- Diagnostic tests (autoimmune panels, Schirmer’s test, imaging)
- Hospitalisation, if required
- Long-term follow-up and supportive care
For mild Sjögren’s syndrome managed with symptomatic treatment, costs remain toward the lower end, while systemic or treatment-resistant disease may fall toward the higher range.
After a detailed rheumatological evaluation, laboratory testing, and organ-specific assessment, our specialists provide a personalised treatment plan and transparent cost estimate, aligned with disease severity, symptom control goals, and long-term care requirements.
What is Sjogren's syndrome treatment?
The treatment of Sjogren's syndrome is symptomatic, and it is different for different individuals based on the symptoms of the patient. Artificial tears and ointments are for the eyes; salivary gland stimulators and artificial saliva are for the mouth; and some other pain relievers are used to relieve pain.
Is there a blood test for Sjogren's syndrome?
There is no single test that can rule out Sjogren's syndrome. Some blood tests, such as SS-A (Ro) and SS-B (La) antibodies, ANA antibodies, Rheumatoid factor, CBC, ESR, and CRP, are used to diagnose this disease, but blood tests alone will not rule out the disease.
How is dry mouth treated in Sjogren's syndrome?
Artificial saliva and saliva-stimulating substances are used to treat dry mouth. Avoiding smoking, frequent intake of water and chewing sugarless gums helps in treating Sjogren's syndrome.
How is dry eye managed in Sjogren’s syndrome?
It is advised to avoid exposure to wind, which can cause dry eyes, and use a home humidifier. Artificial tears and eye ointments are used to treat dry eye in Sjogren's syndrome.
How is a lip gland biopsy done in Sjogren's syndrome?
A lip gland biopsy, or labial gland biopsy, is a minor procedure which is performed under local anaesthesia. A small incision is made under the lower lip, and the cobblestones, which are the small glands present under the lip, are taken out, approximately 5-7, and then the incision is closed. These glands are examined under a microscope to diagnose Sjogren's syndrome.
What is the overall prognosis for living with Sjogren's syndrome?
The overall prognosis of Sjogren's syndrome is good; patients living with this disease have a normal life. Some of the severe complications, like cardiovascular disease, solid tumours, lymphoma and infections, are the leading causes that reduce the life expectancy of Sjogren's syndrome patients when compared to normal people.
What is Schirmer’s test?
The Schirmer's test is used to assess tear production in the diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome. Before the test, eyedrops that cause numbness are given to prevent tearing from the paper's irritation. In this test, calibrated strips of filter paper are used, with one end placed under the lower eyelid; the subject is asked to close the eyes for 5 minutes. Both eyes were tested at the same time; strips were removed, and the amount of wetting on the paper was measured
Do HIV cause Sjogren's syndrome?
HIV does not cause Sjogren's syndrome, but it can mimic symptoms such as sicca (dryness) and swelling of the salivary glands.
Who can evaluate for Sjogren's?
A Rheumatologist usually diagnoses this disease, but an ophthalmologist who can identify eye dryness or any corneal damage, and a dentist or oral medicine specialist who can identify dental cavities and tooth decay are also needed to identify key elements of the disease.
What is sialography?
This is an X-ray used to detect saliva production in the mouth. A catheter, which is a small flexible tube, is inserted through the mouth into the duct of the salivary gland. A special dye is injected into the duct to show up on the X-ray. These X-rays are repeated several times to drain saliva into the mouth.
