Definition
Definition
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that may affect many different parts of the body. Small round spots, called granulomas, form in various organs. The spots slow down normal functioning of those organs.
Causes
Causes
The cause of sarcoidosis is not known. It seems to be related to malfunctioning of the immune system. The disease may be triggered by an infection or exposure to a toxin in the environment.
Some people may be more susceptible to sarcoidosis due to genetic or environmental factors.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of sarcoidosis include:
- Age: 20 to 40
- Sex: female
- Ethnic descent: African-American, Northern European, Scandinavian, and Irish
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms vary and can occur in different parts of the body, depending on where the granulomas form. Most symptoms develop in the lungs, skin, eyes, and liver. Multiple body systems may be affected. Symptoms may come and go. This disease is often acute, but in some people, it is chronic.
Symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Rash
- Fever
- Pain or irritation of eyes
- Fatigue, especially with exertion
- Muscle weakness
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Difficulty hearing
- Blurred vision or blindness
- Poor coordination
- Trouble walking
- Irregular heart rate
- Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints
- Facial paralysis known as Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s PalsyCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
|
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. An eye exam may also be done. There is no specific lab test that confirms a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Instead, the diagnosis is made based on symptoms and medical tests that are usually positive in those with this condition.
Your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Biopsy
Imaging tests evaluate bodily structures. These may include:
- X-rays
- Bronchoscopy
- CT scan
- Gallium scan
Your heart activity may be tested. This can be done with an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Your lung function may be tested. This can be done with pulmonary function tests (PFTs).
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment aims to ease symptoms and minimize permanent problems. Treatment may include:
Monitoring
You need regular medical and eye exams to monitor for symptoms and complications of sarcoidosis.
Medication
Drugs that may be prescribed include the following:
- Steroids to decrease inflammation
- Methotrexate or azathioprine may be used for those who do not respond to steroids
- Hydroxychloroquine to treat skin problems
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat musculoskeletal symptoms
- Pulmonary rehabilitation programs to improve lung function
- Topical steroids to treat rashes
- Eye drops to treat mild eye problems
Self-care
To help minimize your symptoms:
- If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how to successfully quit.
- Avoid exposure to dust and chemicals.
- Notify your doctor at right away if any symptoms develop or worsen.
Prevention
Prevention
There are no current guidelines to prevent sarcoidosis because the cause is unknown.
RESOURCES:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sarc
Updated June 14, 2013. Accessed August 15, 2013.
Sarcoidosis. American Lung Association website. Available at:
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/sarcoidosis
Accessed August 15, 2013.
Sarcoidosis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated July 25, 2013. Accessed August 15, 2013.
Sarcoidosis in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated January 28, 2011. Accessed August 15, 2013.
Last Updated: 5/11/2013