Lucrezia Ciotti A seemingly harmless dermatitis, followed by vision problems, breathing difficulties, and unmanageable fatigue. Simona Izzo recounted the long period of fear that preceded her diagnosis of an autoimmune disease , which came after months of uncertainty. " I thought I was dying ," the actress confessed. But what is it, what are the symptoms to recognize, and what treatments are available?
Sjögren's Syndrome: What It Is, Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks certain body structures , causing inflammation that primarily affects the exocrine glands, responsible for producing various secretions. As Professor Lorenzo Dagna explained to Gazzetta Active , " the immune system primarily targets the exocrine glands, including the tear and salivary glands ."
Inflammation can also involve other glands and, in more complex cases, some internal organs. The exact causes are still unknown. The disease can present as primary, when not associated with other diseases, or secondary, if it occurs alongside other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. It predominantly affects women and tends to manifest around age 40.
The most common symptoms are dry eyes and mouth , caused by reduced tear and saliva production. Burning, redness, pain, and a sensation of sand in the eyes may occur. Poor lubrication can also promote inflammation such as keratoconjunctivitis. Reduced saliva, on the other hand, can make daily activities such as speaking and chewing more difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and ulcers. Dryness can also affect the skin, respiratory tract, and genital mucosa . Other symptoms include persistent fatigue, joint pain, and, in some cases, arthritis . More rarely, internal organs may be affected, potentially causing digestive or respiratory problems. There is also a risk, albeit less frequent, of developing certain lymphomas . This is because the chronic activation of B lymphocytes, immune system cells that produce antibodies, can promote the development of lymphatic tissue tumors, including MALT lymphomas.
Diagnosing Sjögren's syndrome requires a combination of symptom assessment, blood tests, and specific tests. These tests detect certain autoantibodies, including antinuclear antibodies, SSA and SSB, as well as rheumatoid factor. To assess tear production, the Schirmer test is used, which involves inserting small strips of blotting paper into the eyelids. Tear production of less than 5 millimeters is considered abnormal.
There is currently no definitive cure , but various therapies can control inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Through personalized treatments and constant monitoring, it is possible to manage symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.
Simona Izzo talks about her illness: "I thought I was dying," the symptoms before her diagnosis.
A dermatitis that showed no signs of healing , followed by vision problems, increasingly intense fatigue, and the feeling of being unable to breathe. This was the beginning of a difficult period for Simona Izzo , 73, who faced months of worry before discovering the source of her ailments. The Roman actress, voice actress, and director recounted her experience during a guest appearance on Storie al bivio weekend , a Rai2 program hosted by Monica Setta.
An immunologist identified the condition , after a journey marked by uncertainty and fear. " I thought I was going to die ," Izzo confessed, also recalling the support she received from her husband, Ricky Tognazzi. The diagnosis was Sjögren's syndrome , a chronic autoimmune disease that can manifest with different symptoms and affect different parts of the body. Tennis player Venus Williams was also diagnosed with the same condition.