Sarcoidosis
Erika Hall
Introduction to Health and Disease
Stacie Pigues
June 25, 2014
Sarcoidosis is a disease consisting of a growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body including: lungs, heart, kidneys, nervous system, lymph nodes, eyes, and skin. It is unknown what causes Sarcoidosis, but researchers think substances inhaled from the air affect the immune system. There is no cure but if treated effectively, the progression of Sarcoidosis can be slowed and patients can live a normal life. This disease is not contagious but mimics other diseases and can resolve itself without lasting consequences. An unpredictable disease, Sarcoidosis can only be detected by a chest x-ray. There are three stages and each stage determines how well the disease has relapsed or progressed. Stage I shows lymph nodes of the lungs near the center of the chest are enlarged, sometimes the size of potatoes. Sarcoidosis does not show on the x-ray and the patient may not have symptoms and treatment is not needed. Stage II will show an abnormal pattern in the lungs along with enlarged lymph nodes. A few symptoms such as a cough or dyspnea (difficulty breathing) for some patients may or may not require treatment. Stage III will show the lungs infiltrates without evidence of enlarged lymph nodes and the progression of the disease leads to lung involvement with a disappearance of the lymph nodes. Stages I-III or stages II-III, patients may not show any progression. The patient’s health could improve in any of the stages. An x-ray exam could show disappearance of changes or it could show where symptoms are progressive (lakesidepress.com). Signs and symptoms may last for years and lead to organ damage. Symptoms may also disappear as soon as they appear (mayo.edu).
Fatigue, fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss
Lungs-persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pains
Skin-red or reddish-purple bumps, located on shins or ankles, warm to touch
Lesions-disfiguring skin sores on nose, cheeks, and ears
Color change-areas of skin get darker or lighter in color
Nodules-growths under skin may develop particularly around scars or tattoos
Eye-blurred vision, eye pain, severe redness, sensitivity to light. Can be affected without symptoms
Anyone is susceptible to Sarcoidosis, certain factors increase chances of the disease such as:
Age and sex: 20-40 years of age, women more likely to develop the disease
Race: African Americans have a higher chance at developing Sarcoidosis than whites, this disease can recur and cause lung problems in African Americans
Family history: most likely to develop this condition if a family member has Sarcoidosis
Some organs may have long lasting affects:
Lungs-irreversible damage to tissue between our sacs, making breathing difficult
Eyes-inflammation leading to blindness, sometimes cataracts or glaucoma
Kidneys-kidney failure when body is unable to handle calcium
Heart-abnormal heart rhythm, sometimes death when glaucomas interfere with electrical signals of heartbeat
Nervous system-inflammation in facial nerves causing paralysis
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids are used for first time treatment, anti-rejection medicine reduces inflammatory by suppressing the immune system. Tumor Necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors treat inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Surgery is needed when organs are severely damaged. In addition to medical treatments:
Regular check-ups
Well balanced diet of fresh fruits and vegetables
8-10 glasses of water
6-8 hours of sleep
Exercise regularly, maintain weight
No smoking
Avoid exposure dust, chemicals, fumes, gases, anything harming lungs
Avoid excessive
