Why Sjogren’s is Often Misdiagnosed with Dr. Kara Wada (Ep 134)
In this episode of the Bendy Bodies Podcast, Dr. Linda Bluestein welcomes Dr. Kara Wada, an allergy and immunology expert, to explore Sjogren’s disease and its connection to hypermobility, dysautonomia, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). They discuss why Sjogren’s is one of the most underdiagnosed autoimmune conditions, its symptoms beyond dryness, and how it intertwines with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes). Dr. Wada also dives into Sjogren’s diagnostic challenges, emerging treatments, nutrition strategies, and the role of inflammation in fatigue and pain. Whether you’re navigating autoimmune symptoms or looking for practical tools to manage them, this episode is filled with expert insights and actionable advice.
Find this episode's transcript here:
https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/sjogrens-misdiagnosis-dr-kara-wada/
Takeaways:
Sjogren’s is Massively Underdiagnosed – Up to 75% of people with Sjogren’s remain undiagnosed, in part because its symptoms extend far beyond dryness and don’t always present in a textbook way.
Autoimmune Conditions & EDS Are Connected – Sjogren’s, POTS, and MCAS frequently overlap due to their shared impact on the immune and nervous systems, making diagnosis and treatment complex.
Dryness is Just the Beginning – Sjogren’s can cause neuropathy, fatigue, dysautonomia, gastrointestinal issues, and even a higher risk of lymphoma, making it more than just an inconvenience.
Current Treatments Are Limited but Improving – There are no FDA-approved medications specifically for Sjogren’s, but promising treatments are currently in phase 3 trials, offering hope for better management
Nutrition & Lifestyle Matter – Avoiding ultra-processed foods, prioritizing hydration, and incorporating anti-inflammatory nutrients can help manage symptoms and support immune function.
Connect with YOUR Hypermobility Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.
Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them.
Past Episodes:
https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/linking-mast-cell-activation-autoimmunity-and-eds/
https://www.drkarawada.com/podcasts/becoming-immune-confident/episodes/2148563154
Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.
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Learn about Dr. Karen Wada
Twitter: @CrunchyAllergy
Instagram: @immuneconfidentmd
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FB: @KaraWadaMD
YT: @drkarawada
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Blog: hypermobilitymd.com/blog
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Bendy Bodies with Dr. Linda Bluestein
Whether you’re bendy with all the benefits or hurting in all the wrong places, you’ve come to the right place for all things hypermobility. Connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are often dismissed or overlooked by healthcare providers as a cause of chronic pain. But if you or someone you care about struggles with the life-altering symptoms of hypermobility, you should know YOU ARE NOT ALONE! At the Bendy Bodies Podcast, we understand.
Each week, join Dr. Linda Bluestein (The Hypermobility MD) as she pulls back the curtain on how to prevent injury and unnecessary suffering in “double-jointed” individuals seeking a more comfortable life in their unique, complex “bendy bodies.” When you tune in, you’re engaging in more than a podcast. Both on-air and online, you’re joining a supportive community where patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals trade insights, life hacks, and inspiring stories to embrace our Bendy Bodies journey together!
- No. of episodes: 151
- Latest episode: 2025-06-12
- Health & Fitness Education Self-Improvement Medicine
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