Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown cause that affects mainly young adults. It affects many organs, especially the lungs. It is characterized by the presence of epithelioid granulomas in the body, which are clusters of cells and accumulation of a particular type. These cells are giant cells and epithelioid cells (macrophages, which are processed), but also a variety of white blood cells for absorption and digestion of foreign material that are in entering the body (dust, microbes, etc.).

There might be a decrease in immune defenses, because of the increase of immunoglobulins (antibodies) that are not specific to an aggressor in particular. It seems that the number of T cells activators (type of white blood cells) is decreasing and that of T lymphocytes suppressor is increasing.

Sarcoidosis symptoms

Feeling sick
Chronic fatigue
Loss of appetite and some weight
Sometimes the presence of fever
Night sweats

Sarcoidosis symptoms related to a particular region

The lungs

Dry cough that persists
Shortness of breath

The skin

Wounds on members and scaly skin

Eyes

Uveitis (bloodshot eyes)
Disorders of vision (if granulomas are near the optic nerve)

Glands

Mass in the neck

The heart

Cardiac arrhythmia

Sarcoidosis Examination and Sarcoidosis diagnosis

Sarcoidosis diagnosis is based on:

Medical history and clinical examination
Medical imaging (radiography and thoracic scan)
Laboratory tests (sampling and analysis of the affected tissue-biopsy)

Sarcoidosis treatment

The majority of people with sarcoidosis recover without any treatment. It is indicated to follow a treatment according to the disease and the risks incurred by the affected organ. The purpose of the sarcoidosis treatment is to slow or even stop the formation of granulomas and alleviate the various symptoms.

The various drugs used for this purpose are from different classes:

Corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory cortisone type)
Cytotoxic agents
Immunomodulators (treatment that stimulates or inhibits the response of the immune system)
Some antibiotics

Cortisone tablets are the initial treatment. During a more severe and persistent attack, the doctor may add a type of steroid to a different class of drugs. Due to numerous side effects associated with these drugs, the decision to add to the initial treatment a type of steroid will take into account the risk / benefit ratio. Close monitoring may be recommended by your doctor. Where the heart damage or lung damage is very serious, the lung and heart transplantation may be considered.

During the period of pregnancy, corticosteroids may be continued, which is not the case for all other drugs. An improvement of symptoms is often seen during pregnancy but a deterioration can occur after childbirth.

Sarcoidosis pictures

Sarcoidosis Disease

The evolution of the disease varies among individuals. Despite the fact that in most cases it is without serious consequence, sometimes the disease can progress to pulmonary fibrosis or endanger the affected organs.

Sarcoidosis - rules of life must be applied:

Do not smoke
Avoid dust and other chemical agents that might irritate the lungs
Eating - follow a diet
Remain active but never exhausted
Minimize exposure to direct sunlight because sun exposure can lead to accumulation of calcium in the blood and cause kidney disease.