Sarcoidosis is an immunity related disease that is known to affect multiple organs in the body. However, it has been mostly observed to have inflicted lungs. It causes inflammation in the organs. In a normal healthy human being the process of body’s immunity fighting an infection causes inflammation in the body. It is like wounds of a battle field.
Once the infection subsides, the inflammation recedes. But in persons suffering from this disease the inflammation does not go away. The causes of this disease are relatively unknown. The diagnosis is also difficult as the symptoms are very mild and mostly mimic a fever and cold.
There are many symptoms of this disease and they really depend on the organs that are affected by it. For e.g. lung inflammation will have different symptoms compared to eyes or skin. That is why it is important to discuss the details of symptoms organ wise.
Inflammation of lungs by this disease is also referred to as Pulmonary Sarcoidosis. It may lead to intermittent dry cough, bouts of heavy and difficult breathing. Some persons may also feel a little breathless without any reason like heavy workout or running. If you have had these symptoms for over three days now and seems to be getting worse then consult a doctor immediately.
Skin Sarcoidosis can show redness and purple patches on the skin very much like wheals. They are tender to touch and may give out a burning sensation. Rashes are also known to occur in case of this type of Sarcoidosis disease. Ulcers and lumps on the skin may also appear as the condition worsens.
You may suffer from redness, itching and swelling of eyes. Soreness and pain is also not uncommon amongst persons suffering from this disease. Dryness in the eyes is reported in most of the cases.
These may include swelling in parts of upper body, fatigue, fever, weight loss, unexplained weakness, sore throat and congestion. You may or may not suffer from fever but the symptoms on impending fever is what you may experience in case of this disease.
Sarcoidosis is a harmless condition and usually it runs its course. Medical intervention is required only in cases which have become severe. Also those cases where the symptoms have been persistent for over a week may need to be treated. The treatment will first require complete tests like X rays, blood test, MRI, CT scan and Lung function test depending on the symptoms. Biopsy is also another test which is common in this case.
In case of eye being the affected organ, an ophthalmologist will examine the eyes thoroughly. Eye drops may be administered and should be enough to relieve the irritation and reduce the redness. In case of skin infliction, you will be referred to dermatologist. Certain anti-eczema creams, Lacto calamine may be recommended to soothe the skin and reduce itching. Anti- allergens like cetirizine are also prescribed in some cases. As part of treatment, steroids are administered as first step to containing this disease. Long term use of steroids is definitely a big No as they have substantial side effects. Anti- malarial medicines and medicines that suppress immune system are also administered in case of Sarcoidosis.
In extreme cases where organ has been damaged beyond repair, an organ transplant can also be recommended by the doctor. Transplantation of lungs, eye membrane, liver and removal of bladder are some possible options. However, as mentioned earlier too, there are very rare conditions where organ damage is recorded due to Sarcoidosis.
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