An inflammatory condition of the tissues, most noted for originating in the lymph nodes or the lungs, is known as the disease, sarcoidosis. Sometimes this disease appears unexpectedly and then disappears. Sometimes a gradual onset of symptoms is noted that teeter back and forth in severity. As the disease worsens, sarcoidosis can cause heavy particles that form in the tissues. These particles are known as granulomas. In most cases they do disappear, but at times, they do not. This invasion of the tissues from the granulomas leaves the tissues scarred and inflamed. The cause of sarcoidosis is not known.
The symptoms of sarcoidosis are a notable cough and difficulty breathing. A rash may also appear on the skin with recognizable red bumps. Inflammation of the eyes is another symptom caused by sarcoidosis. Additional symptoms of sarcoidosis include fatigue, nighttime sweating, fever, and/or weight loss.
Sarcoidosis knows no boundaries among its victims, affecting all races and both sexes equally. Due to the difficulty in determining sarcoidosis, as it mimics many other diseases, it is difficult to estimate how many people are affected with it. Sarcoidosis generally strikes the 20- to 40-year old age bracket.
The diagnosis of sarcoidosis is based on the history of the patient, including other routine testing including a chest x-ray. Confirmation of this disease is done by the ruling out of other diseases. Similar diseases that sarcoidosis may imitate are tuberculosis, fungal infections, rheumatic fever, and/or cancer just to name a few. The physician will order general laboratory testing to be done such as blood work and x-rays. Additional testing may or may not be ordered depending on the findings.
Treatment of sarcoidosis is usually not required. The symptoms involved in sarcoidosis do not generally cause any disabling effects and come and go, waxing and waning without reason. When any course of action regarding treatment is recommended it is usually in the form of relief of the symptoms and monitoring of the lungs and other body systems. This is most often treated with corticosteroids. The only drawback to this is their side effects, which include swelling, weight gain, hypertension, mood swings, food cravings, and hyperglycemia.
The person who develops sarcoidosis should follow a healthy lifestyle. This would include abstaining from inhaling dust, chemicals, and avoidance of smoking. Careful consideration of the lung functioning capabilities is necessary. Routine checkups with a physician including eye examinations should be practiced.
Generally, sarcoidosis is a manageable disease that will disrupt its sufferer’s lives now and again, but a healthy and long life is predicted providing appropriate health measures are followed. There will be short-term discomfort in the sarcoidosis victim’s health, but they will not be long lasting.