“Need to raise awareness and seek early diagnosis of Sjogre

[Interview] Dr. Ji Sun Lee (Head of RheumaEZ Clinic in Busan, Korea)

A type of autoimmune disease… symptoms include dry mouth and eyes without reason for over 3 months

Drug treatment and lifestyle improvements are key… should receive standard treatment at local rheumatoid clinics

Dr.

 

Ji Sun Lee

“We can fully provide the standard of care at local rheumatoid clinics.

 

Have trust and visit a local clinic near you.” If you are experiencing symptoms such as dry mouth, eyes, nose and mucous membrane, skin, or indigestion without underlying diseases or other medication histories for over 3 months but haven’t found its cause, it can be Sjogren's syndrome.

 

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder whose cause has not been identified yet.

 

Scientists believe it is a multifactorial disease that involves various factors such as genetics, hormone, virus or bacteria infection, nervous system, cytokines, and autoimmune antibodies.

 

It is known to occur relatively more often in middle-aged women over the age of 40.

 

According to National Health Insurance Service statistics, the number of patients who received treatment for Sjogren's syndrome in Korea had increased from 17,634 in 2015 to 21,282 in 2019.

 

2019 statistics show that its incidence was 7.7 times higher in women than men, and 83% of the patients were women over 40 years of age.

 

Despite the inconveniences felt by the patients and its rarity, Sjogren's syndrome is not as dangerous as it seems.

 

This is why doctors emphasize the need for accurate, prompt diagnosis and treatment.

 

Ji Sun Lee (43), Director of the RheumaEZ Clinic in Busan, Korea, said, “It is not a disease of serious concern from the doctor’s point of view.

 

Although it is an autoimmune disorder, using an immunomodulator may be excessive.

 

There is no fundamental cure, but its symptoms can be alleviated through continuous medication and lifestyle management.” Lifestyle modification is very important to control dryness.

 

Patients with Sjogren's syndrome need to drink water often to keep the mouth moist.

 

Chewing sugarless gum can help boost saliva production.

 

Patients should avoid highly caffeinated drinks such as coffee, black tea, and green tea, as they promote the diuretic effect and aggravate dry mouth.

 

However, as Sjogren's syndrome is an unfamiliar condition, it takes some time for patients to be confirmed after symptom onset.

 

Lee said, “Such delays in diagnosis result in unfortunate cases where patients are unable to see any effect from treatment due to their worsened condition.

 

These days, there are genetic tests available to preemptively check the risk of typical eye diseases including Sjogren's syndrome before onset" Lee added “If you have severe dryness in mouth and eyes for more than 3 months and experience frequent swelling and pain in your salivary gland area under the ears, please visit a rheumatologist near you for diagnosis.

 

Sjogren's syndrome is nowadays better recognized at general internal medicine clinics, and therefore is well it is recommended to visit the rheumatologist for diagnosis." Fortunately, Sjogren's syndrome is better recognized in general internal medicine recently and is being better referred these days.” Sjogren's syndrome is also well covered insurance-wise.

 

With the application of the special calculation system, the co-insurance rate borne by the patient is around 10%.

 

Lee said, “Although not a severe disease, Sjogren's syndrome does have a considerable impact on the quality of life of affected patients.

 

Many experience insomnia and even depression.

 

Therefore, the condition needs to be better managed by improving disease awareness and establishing an environment for its rapid diagnosis.”