What You Should Know About
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a disease in which small clumps of inflamed cells called granulomas form in certain areas of the body, most often the lungs and nearby lymph nodes. For some people, sarcoidosis is a mild disease with few or no symptoms. For others, the disease may cause permanent damage in the lungs, or any number of other organ systems. The course of the disease is unpredictable. It may either progress and cause serious damage, or remit and become inactive.
Sarcoidosis is not contagious, and its cause is unknown. Many years ago it was thought to be an unusual form of tuberculosis because the pathologic tissue of sarcoidosis looks much like Tbc. For reasons that are not at all clear, it is a disease that is found in countries all around the world, but is extremely rare in Arizona. The pulmonary form of sarcoidosis affects mainly adults between ages 20 and 40, and it affects more women than men. It's eight times more common among African-Americans than whites, and it's more likely to be fatal among African-Americans.
Symptoms of sarcoidosis
Ninety per cent of patients with sarcoidosis have lung involvement. Their disease is usually discovered by chest x-ray, with enlarged lymph nodes being typical findings. There may be no symptoms, or a dry cough may be present as the most common symptom. Fatique and mild shortness of breath are also common symptoms.
People with systemic symptoms outside the lung may develop a scaly rash; raised pink or purple areas or painful nodules under the skin, especially on the legs; fever; watery, red eyes that are sensitive to light; pain and swelling of the ankles; enlarged lymph nodes; bone nodules, which can be painful and cause problems in the hands and feet, and an enlarged spleen or liver. All of these symptoms may progress or improve with or without treatment.
Diagnosing sarcoidosis
Because it may cause a variety of symptoms in various areas of the body and may appear slowly over some weeks or months, a diagnosis of sarcoidosis may be difficult to make. The involvement of multiple organs may also be confusing, as sarcoidosis mimics other diseases. As a result, in addition to a complete history, chest x-rays, and pulmonary function tests, a tissue biopsy if often necessary.
Treatment and tips
Not everyone with sarcoidosis needs treatment. In fact, in about half to three-quarters of people, sarcoidosis goes away on its own, or at least remains stable. Those who do need treatment usually take a corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation. Usually, prednisone (a tablet) is given daily or every other day. It can decrease symptoms, improve lung function, decrease angiotensin-converting enzyme levels, reduce granuloma formation, and possibly lessen scarring in the lungs. From what has been said here it should be clear that not only is sarcoidosis a difficult disease to diagnosis, but also, to manage.
Where to Get More Information
|
