Experts say that Sjogren’s disease in India is a silent epidemic, underdiagnosed and poorly understood.
About Sjögren’s disease:
It is a chronic disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s moisture-producing glands.
It is an under-recognised autoimmune condition that often remains undiagnosed for years.
Prevalence: It is roughly 10 times more common in women than in men and usually manifests in the 30s and 40s, although it can appear at any age, even in children.
Symptoms
The most common complaints are dry eyes and dry mouth, which can severely impact quality of life.
Dry eyes may feel gritty, especially on awakening and during prolonged screen use, while dry mouth can lead to difficulty in swallowing and a significantly increased risk of dental problems.
Sjögren’s can present with joint pain, fatigue, and swelling in the salivary glands, making it a complex, multisystem disease.
Treatment:
It involves managing dryness with salivary stimulants and substitutes and lifestyle adjustments. For systemic symptoms, immunosuppressive medications are used.
Patients need to avoid triggers like air conditioning and excessive screen time.
Sunglasses with UV protection and frequent use of gel-based lubricating drops can make a significant difference.
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