*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of Sj?gren's syndrome are dry eyes and a dry mouth, but it can also cause several other problems.

Each person is affected differently. For some people the condition may just be a bit of a nuisance, while for others it can have a big impact on their daily life.

There are many conditions that can cause similar symptoms. See a GP if you have any symptoms you're worried about.

Dry eyes

Signs that you may have dry eyes include:

burning, stinging or itchy eyes
a feeling of grit or sand in your eyes
sore, red and swollen eyelids
discomfort when looking at lights
sticky eyelids when you wake up
blurred vision

These symptoms may be worse when the air is dry, for example, when you're somewhere that's windy, smoky or air conditioned.

Dry eyes can be caused by many conditions besides Sj?gren's syndrome.

Dry mouth

Signs that you may have a dry mouth include:

feeling like food gets stuck in your mouth or throat, especially dry foods like crackers
needing to drink water while you're eating to help you swallow food
your tongue sticking to the roof of your mouth
a hoarse voice
a smooth, red tongue
a change in how food tastes
dry, sore and cracked skin at the corners of your lips
problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, mouth ulcers, and oral thrush (a fungal infection that can cause a raw, red or white tongue)

Other reasons for a dry mouth include things such as diabetes or medicines.

Other symptoms

Other possible symptoms of Sj?gren's syndrome can include:

dry, itchy skin
severe tiredness and exhaustion
vaginal dryness in women, which can make sex painful
rashes (especially after being in the sun)
a dry cough that does not go away
swelling between the jaw and ears (swollen salivary glands)
muscle pain
joint pain, stiffness and swelling
difficulty with concentrating, remembering, and reasoning

Some people with Sj?gren's syndrome also have other, closely linked conditions, such as Raynaud's phenomenon (a condition that affects blood supply to your fingers and toes).

Read more about the complications of Sj?gren's syndrome.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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