By Lee Kyung-min
Early diagnosis and continued treatment can help patients better manage Sjogren's Syndrome, a possibly chronic yet non-fatal disorder of the immune system identified by two most common symptoms _ dry eyes and a dry mouth, according to an expert. The rare disease, which often accompanies other immune system disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, is much more common in women. Most of the patients are usually older than 40 at the time of diagnosis. Any age group can develop the disease.
“People diagnosed with the syndrome have significantly decreased tears and saliva,” according to Park Hee-jin, a rheumatologist at Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital. “Patients usually say they have a burning feeling in their eyes or an itch, adding that they have a hard time blinking. They also say their mouths are dry to the point where they feel difficult to speak or swallow,” she added. That happens because the mucous membranes and moisture-secreting glands of their eyes and mouth are the first to be affected, but the disorder can also damage nerves, skin, joints, the thyroid gland, kidneys, liver and lungs, with possible complications involving these organs.
Patients can experience dental cavities as dry mouth means a lack of saliva, which helps protect the teeth against cavity-causing bacteria. It might also lead to vision problems as dry eyes can result in light sensitivity, blurred vision and damage to the cornea, the transparent layer forming the front of the eye. “Given the major symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome is chronic dry eye, patients are required to always lubricate their eyes to avoid damage that can lead to infection or scarring of the eye.”
While less common, the complications also may affect the lungs, and the following inflammation can cause pneumonia, bronchitis or other problems. In some rare cases, patients can develop cancer of the lymph nodes, or lymphoma, the likely development of which is higher among patients who experience fatigue and joint pain. Patients may also develop peripheral neuropathy _ numbness, tingling and burning in hands and feet. As no cure for the syndrome exists, constant monitoring is required to manage the disease. “Patients must be carefully monitored for development in not only the eyes and mouth, but also internal organ damage to prevent the development of other serious complications.”
Patients should also pay great attention over whether they have other related autoimmune diseases, of which Sjogren’s Syndrome is one. Autoimmune disease patients experience the body’s cells and tissues attacking each other by mistake. The degree and severity of the syndrome varies on an individual basis as do other autoimmune diseases. Some may have a mild disease that only affects the eyes and mouth, while others have symptoms that have fluctuating severity.
Although certain genetic factors may cause a higher risk of developing the autoimmune diseases in some people, it is believed to be triggered by infection with a particular virus or strain of bacteria. Stress, hidden allergens, infections and environmental toxins are known to cause the inflammatory condition.
Meanwhile, Sjogren's Syndrome is among many rare diseases, for which a global raise awareness campaign is ongoing. Organized by EURORDIS, a non-governmental patient-driven alliance of patient organizations and individuals active in the field of rare diseases, Rare Disease Day takes place on the last day of February each year. It seeks to raise awareness among the public, industry representatives, researchers, health professionals and decision-makers about such diseases and their impact on patients' lives. Ninety-four countries took part in the campaign last year. The first celebration of the Rare Disease Day was held Feb. 29, 2008, a “rare” date that happens only once every four years.