JAKARTA – Sjogren’s syndrome is one of the diseases that needs attention, in addition to covid-19. Almost 90% of patients suffer from female genital mutilation. Therefore, society needs to recognize the characteristics of the disease.
The Board of Trustees of the Indonesian Sjogren’s Syndrome Foundation, Dr. Alvina Widhani said, Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that is chronic and systemic. This disease is often undiagnosed.
Symptoms are often not given much attention by the patient, because it is similar to complaints of other diseases. Usually, people with Sjogren’s syndrome will experience dryness in the mouth, eyes, and skin.
“A condition that causes disorders of the human immune system. Patients suffering from Sjogren’s Syndrome often seek treatment late. That is what causes diagnosis to be late,” Alvina said during an online discussion organized by PT Kalbe Farma Tbk, Thursday (6/8).
Many factors can cause a person affected by Sjogren’s syndrome. Starting from genetics, hormones, chronic stress, the formation of auto antibodies. In addition, environmental factors can also affect, such as viral infections, silicon, pollution, and microbiota imbalances.
He explained, most Sjogren’s Syndrome attacks the salivary glands or tear glands. In addition, said Alvina, Sjogren’s syndrome can attack other parts of the body, from the nerves, lungs, kidneys, and so forth.
The term sjogren’s syndrome was first coined by an expert on eye disease, Henrik Sjogren in 1899-1986 from Sweden. The average sufferer of Sjogren’s syndrome is generally vulnerable aged 40 years and over.
According to Alvina, one way to prevent Sjogren’s syndrome is by changing unhealthy lifestyles. Like stopping smoking, drinking enough water, avoiding drinking caffeine, maintaining oral hygiene, reducing sugar consumption.
Then avoid the dry environment, do not be too long in front of the computer / reading, using glasses. Furthermore, manage stress management, be diligent in exercising, and consume vitamin D.
“Patients are also required to routinely carry out symptomatic therapy to reduce symptoms and take drugs that modulate the immune system,” he said.
PT Kalbe Farma Tbk Product Manager, Tekla Rosa Oktivia said, in several studies of vitamin D has a role in the prevention of autoimmune diseases. That’s because autoimmune patients have low vitamin D levels.
Currently, said Tekla, Kalbe has vitamin D3 products that can help maintain health. “Hopefully, our products can be part of Indonesian family travel in meeting the needs of vitamin D,” Tekla said. (Herry Supriyatna)
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