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GP · Sjögren's syndrome · Private clinic in East London

Private sjögren's syndrome clinic in London, same-day GP.

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the glands producing tears and saliva. The dryness is what gets named — but for most people the dominant symptoms are fatigue and joint pain, which is why it takes an average of several years to diagnose. Our private GP clinic in East London offers same-day sjögren's syndrome assessment with a private GP, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.

Same-day
appointments
Specialist-led
private care
No referral
needed

The condition

What is sjögren's syndrome?

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the glands producing tears and saliva. The dryness is what gets named — but for most people the dominant symptoms are fatigue and joint pain, which is why it takes an average of several years to diagnose.

  • What sjögren's syndrome is
  • Symptoms to look for
  • Causes & risk factors
  • Tests & diagnosis
  • Treatment options
  • When to see a specialist

Understanding sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment

Seek prompt assessment if you have

  • a persistently swollen salivary gland, particularly one-sided or hard
  • new lumps or swollen glands lasting more than three weeks
  • unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats
  • severe eye pain or sudden visual change
  • numbness, tingling or weakness
  • breathlessness or a persistent dry cough

Sjögren's carries a small but real increased risk of lymphoma, and persistent salivary gland swelling is the main warning sign. It should be examined rather than assumed to be part of the condition.

Symptoms

  • Dry, gritty eyes — often described as sand under the lids, worse in wind, air conditioning and on screens
  • Dry mouth — difficulty swallowing dry food, needing water to eat, altered taste, waking at night to sip
  • Profound fatigue — the most disabling symptom for most people, and the least acknowledged
  • Joint and muscle pain, and Raynaud's
  • Dry skin, nose and vagina, causing painful sex
  • Salivary gland swelling, particularly in front of the ears
  • Recurrent dental decay, oral thrush and mouth ulcers
  • Less commonly: nerve, lung, liver or kidney involvement

Diagnosis

  • Anti-Ro (SSA) and anti-La (SSB) antibodies — the most useful blood tests, though a proportion of people are negative.
  • ANA and rheumatoid factor, often positive; raised immunoglobulins and low complement.
  • Schirmer's test measuring tear production, and salivary flow assessment.
  • Ultrasound of the salivary glands, which is increasingly used and avoids biopsy in many cases.
  • Lip gland biopsy where the diagnosis remains unclear.
  • It commonly coexists with other autoimmune conditions, particularly thyroid disease, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Protect your teeth from the start

Saliva neutralises acid and protects enamel. Without it, decay accelerates dramatically — people with Sjögren's can lose teeth in a few years having never had a filling before. See a dentist every three to six months, use high-fluoride toothpaste (prescribed, 2800 or 5000ppm), avoid sipping fruit juice, fizzy drinks or sugary tea through the day, and use sugar-free gum or xylitol products to stimulate what saliva you have. This is the single most valuable practical measure and it is frequently not mentioned at diagnosis.

Managing dryness

Eyes

  • Preservative-free artificial tears, used regularly rather than when sore
  • Thicker gel or ointment at night
  • Warm compresses and lid hygiene for associated blepharitis
  • Humidifier; avoid direct air conditioning and fans
  • Punctal plugs, which retain your own tears, if drops are not enough

Mouth

  • Frequent sips of water; carry a bottle
  • Saliva substitutes, sprays and gels, particularly at night
  • Sugar-free gum and lozenges to stimulate flow
  • Avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes, which dry further
  • Prescription medicines to stimulate saliva, where suitable

Treating the rest

  • Hydroxychloroquine for fatigue, joint pain and rashes — the most commonly used systemic treatment, with annual eye monitoring after five years.
  • Immunosuppressants or biologics for organ involvement.
  • Vaginal moisturisers and local oestrogen for dryness causing painful sex.
  • Pacing and exercise for fatigue — unglamorous, and the evidence supports both.
  • Review medicines that worsen dryness: antihistamines, some antidepressants, diuretics and bladder medicines.

If you are planning a pregnancy

Anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies can cross the placenta and, rarely, affect the baby's heart conduction — congenital heart block. This is uncommon, it is monitored for with extra fetal heart scans, and it is entirely manageable when known about in advance. Tell us before conceiving, not after, so the pregnancy can be planned with the right monitoring.

Simple & reassuring

Seen today, in three easy steps

1

Book in a minute

Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.

2

Seen quickly

A GMC-registered clinician assesses you, with tests and scans arranged in-house where possible.

3

Diagnosis & plan

You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.

Book same-day appointment Call 020 7916 0029

Private assessment

See a private GP for sjögren's syndrome in London

At our private GP clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private GP or sjögren's syndrome doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant GP will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about sjögren's syndrome.

Book a private sjögren's syndrome assessment

Local, private, fast

A private GP clinic for East London & Canary Wharf

Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private sjögren's syndrome appointment with a GP, without the wait or the referral.

Why choose us

Why choose our East London private GP clinic

  • Same-day, no referral — private GP and GP under one roof
  • Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
  • Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
  • Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
  • A named clinician who explains your results clearly
  • Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on

Ready when you are

See a private GP for sjögren's syndrome — the same day.

Book a private sjögren's syndrome assessment in East London: same-day appointments, GP-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.

Common questions

Sjögren's syndrome in London: your questions answered

Where can I find a private sjögren's syndrome specialist near me in East London?

Our private GP clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private GP or sjögren's syndrome doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.

Can I see a private GP for sjögren's syndrome the same day?

Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a GP or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.

How much does a private sjögren's syndrome appointment cost in London?

We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the sjögren's syndrome assessment and any tests before you book.

Do I need a referral to see a private GP for sjögren's syndrome?

No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a GP, we will guide you.

Which areas do you serve for private sjögren's syndrome care?

We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.

Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.

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In an emergency, call 999. Tower Bridge Hospital London is not an emergency service. Your nearest A&E is The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road E1 1FR — 5 minutes’ walk from our front door.

Areas we serve

Private sjögren's syndrome care in London & East London — Whitechapel, the City & Canary Wharf

Patients visit our Whitechapel clinic for private sjögren's syndrome assessment and treatment from right across London and East London, the City and the Docklands — including Aldgate, Bethnal Green, Bow, Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, Stratford, Bermondsey and the surrounding areas. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available and you do not need a GP referral.

Easy to reach — minutes from the Royal London Hospital and Aldgate East, Whitechapel, Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations, and one stop from Canary Wharf on the Elizabeth line.

Private sjögren's syndrome treatment near me? If you are searching for private sjögren's syndrome treatment near me, a sjögren's syndrome doctor or specialist near me, or a private clinic near me in East London, our Whitechapel practice is on your doorstep — walk-in and same-day appointments, no GP referral, and no long NHS waiting list.

Book a same-day appointment or call 020 7916 0029. See our transparent fees. Open 7 days a week, 9am–7pm. Private clinic on Whitechapel Road, London E1 — serving Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Islington, the City of London and Southwark.

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