Why the Name Change from Sjögren’s Syndrome to Sjögren’s Disease Is a Big Deal

Cue LL Cool J and my bad rapping and join me in chatting, “Don’t call it a syndrome!” Ok, bad pun out of the way…

In 2024, the global Sjögren’s community dropped a truth bomb: they officially renamed Sjögren’s Syndrome to Sjögren’s Disease. And I, for one, couldn’t be more thrilled. At first glance, it might seem like a small tweak. But trust me, it’s not. This name change is a major moment for patients everywhere, and here’s why.

“Syndrome” Was Selling It Short

Let’s be real—calling Sjögren’s a “syndrome” was like describing a hurricane as “a little rain.” The word “syndrome” gives off major “not that serious” vibes, like it’s just a loose collection of symptoms instead of what it really is: a systemic autoimmune disease that impacts every corner of your life.

For too long, people (and yes, even some doctors) have brushed off Sjögren’s as just a “dry eye and dry mouth thing.” Spoiler alert: it’s not. This disease can attack your joints, nerves, digestive system, lungs, and kidneys. Oh, and it also brings soul-crushing fatigue and a higher risk of lymphoma to the table. Fun, right? Changing the name to Sjögren’s Disease makes it clear: this isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a big deal that needs serious attention.

Setting the Record Straight

Here’s the thing about calling it a syndrome: it didn’t just downplay how bad Sjögren’s can get—it also let misconceptions run wild. Think about it. When people hear “syndrome,” they assume it’s not life-altering. Meanwhile, patients are out here battling debilitating symptoms and getting dismissed because their condition sounds, well, too polite.

Dr. Steven Taylor, CEO of the Sjögren’s Foundation, nailed it when he said, “We believe this name change will help to eliminate the misunderstanding that Sjögren’s is simply a nuisance syndrome.” Translation: this is no longer about a “dry eye club.” It’s about recognizing that Sjögren’s Disease deserves the same respect and urgency as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Why This Change Matters

For patients, the word “disease” feels validating. It acknowledges the pain, fatigue, and overall chaos of this condition. More importantly, it demands medical professionals stop treating Sjögren’s like an afterthought. We’re talking about earlier diagnoses, better treatment plans, and finally getting the healthcare system to take this condition seriously.

It’s not just about patients, though. The name change also shifts the narrative for researchers, funders, and even the public. Calling it a disease helps push for more funding and research—because no one’s rushing to pour millions into curing something people think is a minor inconvenience.

The Bottom Line

Moving from Sjögren’s Syndrome to Sjögren’s Disease isn’t just a rebranding. It’s a much-needed wake-up call to the medical community and beyond. For patients, it’s a win. For doctors, it’s a challenge to step up their game. And for anyone who thought Sjögren’s was just about dry eyes—well, it’s time to think again.

So, next time someone tries to brush off Sjögren’s as a “syndrome,” feel free to remind them: it’s a disease, thank you very much. And we’re done being polite about it.

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