Adnkronos (Adnkronos) –
Simona Izzo opened up for the first time about her battle with Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease she's been living with for some time. A guest of Monica Setta on Storie al bivio weekend, the actress recounted the complex period since discovering her diagnosis. The first signs were persistent dermatitis, followed by vision problems, severe fatigue, and breathing difficulties: "I was so sick I thought I was going to die.
I said to myself: I won't make it to October,” she said.
An immunologist identified the cause of her symptoms, diagnosing her with Sjögren's syndrome. After receiving the diagnosis, Izzo decided to speak out publicly to support other women facing similar symptoms: "I chose to put my face out there precisely to send a message to them," she explained in the Rai2 talk show, in an interview aired on October 31st.
Primary Sjogren's syndrome, as explained by Humanitas, is an immunological disorder characterized primarily by dry mouth and eyes, but can also involve other organs and systems, such as the central and peripheral nervous system and the joints. A secondary form also exists, with signs and symptoms typical of other rheumatic diseases. The condition typically affects women between the ages of thirty and fifty.
It is estimated that the ratio between male and female patients is 1:20.
The causes of the disease are unknown. As Humanitas highlights, it is believed to be caused by an infectious trigger and a consequent autoimmune reaction against the epithelium of the glandular ducts. 1 Lymphocytic infiltration of the salivary and lacrimal glands leads to a progressive loss of secretory function and an alteration in the quality of tears and saliva.
The basic symptoms are dry mouth and eyes, which may be associated with conjunctivitis and periodontal disease, and enlarged salivary glands, especially the parotid glands. A dry cough, dry skin, and dry genitals have also been reported. Other manifestations include arthralgia, paresthesia, weakness, and cutaneous vasculitis. Persistent symptoms are the basis for the diagnosis, which is confirmed by biopsy of the minor salivary glands of the lips, which demonstrates periductal lymphocyte aggregates (>50/4 mm2), called foci. Other invasive tests may be indicated if lymphomatous evolution of the disease is suspected.
Treatment of the disease is based on the use of salivary and tear substitutes (artificial tears or saliva). If tolerated, treatment with drugs that increase saliva and tear secretion, such as pilocarpine, is indicated. Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine can be used to control symptoms such as arthralgia and fatigue. For other organ manifestations, such as parotid enlargement and neuropathy, steroids and azathioprine are indicated.
shows
webinfo@adnkronos.com (Web Info)