In this segment, the panel focuses on the real-world burden of Sjögren’s Disease (SjD) and how symptoms disrupt daily functioning. They highlight that dryness is not merely a nuisance but affects eating, speaking, and vision, leading to constant adaptation—patients may rely on water bottles, saliva substitutes, eye drops, and dental interventions. Severe fatigue is described as one of the most debilitating aspects, often underrecognized by clinicians. It impacts work performance, social engagement, and emotional well-being, contributing to isolation and frustration.

Chronic pain, musculoskeletal symptoms, and systemic manifestations further influence quality of life and may fluctuate unpredictably. The panel stresses the need for validating patient experiences, asking intentional questions, and recognizing limitations patients may minimize. They emphasize multidisciplinary care, incorporating rheumatology, ophthalmology, dentistry, and mental health support. Improving quality of life requires not only treating dryness and systemic disease but addressing fatigue, function, coping strategies, and patient empowerment.