IPB University FK Lecturer Invites the Public to Beware of the Dangers of Sjogren’s Syndrome
IPB University doctor, dr Eka Nugraha, MSi, Med, invites the public to be more aware of Sjogren’s Syndrome. This autoimmune disease attacks the glands that produce body fluids such as tears and saliva, and has the potential to damage other important organs.
“Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that attacks the exocrine glands, especially the tear glands and saliva glands,” explained dr Eka in the program “IPB Podcast: Recognize the Dangers of Sjogren’s Syndrome” which aired on IPB TV’s YouTube channel.
As a result, he continued, patients experience impaired production of tears and saliva which causes the eyes and mouth to feel dry.
The cell and molecular biology expert and lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine of IPB University explained that the main complaints of sufferers are generally dry eyes and mouth. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as itchy eyes, mouth infections, bad breath, and mouth ulcers.
“This disease affects more women, with a ratio of 9:1 compared to men, especially in the age range of 44-55 years. This condition greatly affects the patient’s quality of life,” he explained.
Causes Lymphoma Cancer
dr Eka emphasized that Sjogren’s Syndrome does not only affect the tear and saliva glands. “This disease can also attack other organs, such as the skin, joints, muscles, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, lungs, and female reproductive organs, so it can cause vaginal dryness,” he said.
he adds, “The most dangerous is when the disease starts to attack the blood system or hematology. The risk of developing lymphoma or lymph node cancer also increases, especially in male patients.”
Multidisciplinary Approach
dr Eka explained that Sjogren’s Syndrome is caused by a combination of genetic factors, such as family history of autoimmunity and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) factors, as well as environmental factors such as recurrent infections and smoking.
“The management of this disease must involve a multidisciplinary approach. General practitioners, internal medicine doctors, or allergy immunology and rheumatology consultants are usually the main coordinators,” he explains.
In addition, an ophthalmologist is needed to provide artificial tears, and other specialists will treat according to the affected organ. For acute conditions, anti-inflammatory drugs such as steroids or non-steroids are used. Long-term therapy usually uses the drug Hydroxychloroquine and sparing agents, according to the symptoms experienced by the patient.
In severe cases, monoclonal antibody therapy may be used, although the cost is high. Therefore, patient adherence to treatment and good communication with medical personnel are very important.
Lifestyle Changes and Mental Support
In addition to medication, dr Eka also advises patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. “Avoid smoking, consume foods high in omega 3 such as eggs, meat, and nuts, keep your teeth and mouth clean, and rest your eyes if you often use gadgets or computers,” he said.
He closed with an encouraging message for the patients. “God must have a reason why someone has Sjogren’s Syndrome. Treatment is long-term, so this struggle requires patience.”
dr Eka hopes that with proper treatment and good acceptance, patients can achieve remission or freedom from symptoms in the long run. (Fj) (IAAS/RWA)
