What is sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is chronic, multisystem disease which can affect any organ within the body. It most often starts
in the lungs or lymp nodes. The disease can appear suddenly and disappear or masquerade as other diseases.
It causes the development of granulomas and inflammation of the body’s tissues.
What are the symtoms?
dry cough
shortness of breath
chest pain
rash (may or may not be raised)
fever
pain or irritation of eyes
fatigue, especially with exertion
muscle weakness
night sweats
loss of appetite
weight loss
swollen lymph nodes
facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy)
seizures
tremors
difficulty hearing
blurred vision or blindness
poor coordination
trouble walking
irregular heart rate
pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and wheezing
How is it detected?
Sarcoidosis is often first detected by x-ray. A series of other tests, including a biopsy of affected tissue, confirm diagnosis. The criteria for diagnosis are detection of the characteristic symptoms and abnormalities,
particularly on a chest x–ray, ruling out infections and finding sarcoidosis granulomas in biopsy. If other findings
are highly suggestive of sarcoidosis, a biopsy may not be needed.
Who is at risk?
Sarcoidosis affects both men and women, although women are more likely to have the disease. The average age for diagnosis
is around 20-40 years of age.
African American, Asian, German, Irish, Puerto Rican, Japanese and Scandinavian origin.
10 to 17 times as many African Americans are affected as white Americans. In Europe, whites are primarily affected. New
evidence has show that children have beeen affected.
What is the treatment?
Monitoring
You need regular medical and eye exams to monitor for symptoms and complications
of sarcoidosis. You can have no symtoms, so make sure your doctor monitors you regularly.
Medication
Drugs that may be prescribed include the following:
- Prednisone, the primary treatment, is an oral steroid used to decrease inflammation.
- Topical steroids may be advised for rashes.
- Eye drops may be used for mild eye problems.
Self-care
To help minimize your symptoms, follow these guidelines:
- Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit.
- Avoid exposure to dust and chemicals.
- Notify your doctor at once if any symptoms develop or worsen.
Prevention
Although doctors do not know the exact cause of sarcoidosis, they believe
infections or exposure to chemicals may bring on the disease. Steps for prevention may include:
- Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals and toxins.
- To prevent infection, wash your hands before eating or preparing food and after using the bathroom.
This information on this site should not be considered as medical advice. Please seek professional medical advice
for any diagnoses or treatments.
