Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune condition that causes non-cancerous granulomas to form in various organs, most commonly in the lungs and lymph nodes. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and shortness of breath. Treatment may involve medication and close monitoring by healthcare professionals. With treatment, patients can live normal lives and have a 95% survival rate.
Sarcoidosis may also be referred to as sarcoid or Besnier-Boeck disease. It is an autoimmune condition characterized by the formation of non-cancerous nodes, called granulomas, which can develop in various organs. In about 90% of patients with this condition, granulomas form in the lungs and various lymph nodes throughout the body.
About 40 out of 100,000 people will develop sarcoidosis, usually before age 50. While the disease is seen in all groups, it appears most commonly among people of Swedish, Danish, and African ancestry. Medical researchers believe that people who have a family history of the condition are more at risk of developing it.
While a potential genetic connection is claimed, the precise mechanisms that cause granulomas to develop are not fully understood. Medical researchers believe that many people with the condition have an inappropriate immune response to one or more of the following agents: viruses, bacteria, chemicals, or fungi. The body’s lymphocytes become overactive, attacking these agents and releasing chemicals, which produce granulomas.
The symptoms of sarcoidosis are numerous. People may initially feel tired, have a fever, lose weight, or sweat at night. If the granulomas are in the lungs, a known cough may be present, and shortness of breath after short periods of activity is quite common. Lymph nodes, especially those in the groin, under the chin, and under the arms, can be enlarged and painful. About 25% of people experience joint and muscle pain, and about 25% also experience patches of raised, discolored skin.
Less common symptoms include itching, burning or dry eyes. Some people may also be affected by sinus problems such as a runny nose, hoarse voice, or chronic sinus infections. In rare cases, granulomas can develop in the heart and affect the circulatory system.
Because sarcoidosis tends to mimic other diseases, it may go undiagnosed unless a chest X-ray is done. This test is common, as patients often experience shortness of breath. A biopsy of swollen lymph nodes and blood tests can also help diagnose the problem.
Patients with this condition should avoid exposure to sunlight and vitamin D-rich foods as these can cause calcium-filled granulomas to form more rapidly. Sarcoidosis is usually treated with a variety of medications, including prednisone, which helps reduce inflammation. Patients can also take drugs that reduce the immune response, such as methotrexate and cyclophosphamide. They block the immune response but also make people more susceptible to disease and infection. Medications can also be given to treat organs affected by granulomas, so those with granulomas in the heart might be given some medications that will improve circulatory function, for example.
Patients with sarcoidosis are followed closely by healthcare professionals and their response to treatment is accurately recorded. Treatment may be required by a number of specialists, depending on the various organs affected. For example, a pulmonologist most frequently evaluates patients who have granulomas in the lungs, and a cardiologist might follow up on a patient with heart problems.
With treatment, many patients live very normal lives and granulomas may disappear after one course of treatment. People who receive treatment have a 95% survival rate and are generally not restricted in what activities they can perform or disabled by the condition.
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