Carrie Ann Inaba opens up about her journey with Sjögren’s disease

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Dancer, choreographer and "Dancing With The Stars" judge Carrie Ann Inaba is opening up about her experience living with Sjögren’s disease.

Inaba said she was diagnosed in 2013 with Sjögren’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects as many as 4 million people in the United States, according to the NIH's National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

Sjögren’s disease affects the glands that produce tears and saliva, resulting in symptoms including dry mouth and dry eyes as well as joint pain, rashes, dry skin, fatigue and more, according to the NIDCR.

Because Sjögren's (show-grins) disease, the second most prevalent rheumatic autoimmune disease, presents as a range of diverse, seemingly unrelated symptoms, making it harder for both individuals and physicians to connect the dots and recognize the disease. Patients typically spend years navigating symptoms – dry eyes and mouth,  pain, fatigue and others – without answers.

In many cases, people with Sjögren’s disease may suffer silently, as their symptoms are frequently overlooked or dismissed.

Before Inaba received her diagnosis, she said she spent years navigating symptoms including dry eyes, chronic pain and fatigue, without getting answers.

Now she’s bringing her personal experience to her partnership with Novartis on the SJÖUT (shout) for Sjögren’s campaign to help people living with Sjögren’s disease connect the dots and find their voice to share the full impact of the disease on their lives.

Visit SjoutforSjogrens.com to learn more.