Once thought to be rare, sarcoidosis is now considered a chronic problem. Sarcoidosis strikes the lungs most often, but can also inflame the other tissues of the body as well. Another common place for sarcoidosis to strike is the lymph nodes.
Although the causes are not known, Sarcoidosis has the potential to come and go suddenly. On the other hand, the onset of sarcoidosis can also occur gradually. Either of these scenarios can last a lifetime. It is only because there is lung and thoracic lymph node involvement that researchers debate the cause of sarcoidosis as a virus, bacteria, or other toxin that has invaded the body.
It is also thought, and with some evidence, that sarcoidosis is related to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as this and sarcoidosis occur simultaneously. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. It has also been noted by researchers that the DNA from this bacteria has been found in the tissue of sarcoidosis patients.
On the other hand, a person afflicted with sarcoidosis likely has a weakened immunological system, which makes them more prone to pick up infections anyway. In the reverse, a person afflicted with tuberculosis is also suffering from a weakened immunological system and they would be more prone to pick up infection themselves. Another possibility in the mix is that sarcoidosis resembles several other diseases, such as berylliosis. This disease can occur when a person inhales metal beryllium.
Sarcoidosis also occurs more commonly in a certain geographic area. Knowing this, researchers have reason to believe that sarcoidosis may occur because of the environment in this area. Genetics is also suspect as an underlying cause. Lastly, the antigen HLA (human lymphocyte antigen) is thought to be connected.
Any one of these could be responsible for having the disease sarcoidosis, or they may not. The one thing that researchers do know is that the immunological system does suffer with this disease.
The outlook and prognosis for sarcoidosis is good. Some people have exacerbations from time to time. Some have it continuously. There is no rhyme or reason to sarcoidosis symptoms. At least none that the scientists are aware of.
There is usually no treatment involved for sarcoidosis patients, only to relieve the symptoms that it causes. Many patients suffering from sarcoidosis go untreated altogether. The sarcoidosis sufferers that do undergo treatment generally do so with the use of corticosteroid medication. However, corticosteroids do tend to have a less than favorable amount of uncomfortable side effects to deal with. It is for this reason that treatment is usually frowned upon.
If you do suffer from this disease it is extremely important to have frequent visits to your primary care physician for the best medical care for your sarcoidosis condition.
RESOURCES
MayoClinic: Sarcoidosis Causes
Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research: General Information
National heart lung and Blood Institute: Sarcoidosis
American Lung Association: Sarcoidosis