Gastrointestinal System Issues
The lack of saliva that we mentioned above can lead to a whole list of different health issues. For instance, it can limit the body’s ability to break down foods and acids, which can cause havoc in the gastrointestinal tract. When the stomach is unable to clear acid, it can lead to acid reflux and pain in the abdomen (so much so it can mimic appendicitis symptoms). In some cases, individuals with Sjogren’s are unable to eat certain dry foods and are more likely to experience delayed gastric emptying, which can result in nausea, discomfort in the upper abdomen, and vomiting. In more extreme cases, pancreatitis and caused by pancreatic insufficiency can develop.
In very rare cases, individuals with Sjorgen’s can develop pancreatitis (acute or chronic) as well as malabsorption due to caused by the condition.
