Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month: Sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is a inflammatory condition that impacts the lungs and lymph nodes. However, it has been known to affect multiple organs in the human body.

Individuals who have this disease exhibit abnormal masses, or granulomas. These granulomas are made up of inflamed tissues which have formed in various organs in the body. The granulomas may change the normal structure and functioning of these affected organs.

The onset of Sarcoidosis is said to begin between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are often diagnosed more than men.


What is the cause of Sarcoidosis?
A root cause for Sarcoidosis is unknown. What is known is that it is an autoimmune disease. Researchers are still studying how this condition can move from one part of the body, to the other.

Symptoms of Sarcoidosis
-Reddish bumps or patches on the skin.
-Swollen joints
-Blurred vision
-Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, neck, and armpit.
-Enlarged lymph nodes around the lungs, and in the chest.
-Kidney stone formation
-Hearing loss
-Seizures
-Abnormal heart beat
-Hoarse voice
-Enlarged liver
-Coughing

How is Sarcoidosis diagnosed?
Because there is no root way to diagnose this condition, you doctor will review your medical history and examine you. If your doctor suspects that you may have Sarcoidosis, the following exams may be ordered:

-Breathing tests
-CT Scan
-Broncoscopy
-Chest X-rays

Treatment for Sarcoidosis
This condition has no cure, but symptoms can be treated by maintaining good health, and drug treatment.
Drug treatments may include:

-Prednisone
-Methotrexate
-Plaquenil
-Rheumatrex

In many cases, the disease may come and go without you even noticing. For 20%-30% of patients, there may be some permanent lung damage. For a small percentage of people, this disease is a chronic condition.
In very rare cases, complications from Sarcoidosis can be fatal.

If you suspect that you may have Sarcoidosis, contact your primary doctor.