Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease of an unknown cause that can affect almost any organ in the body. It is an immune reaction to an unknown stimulant. Frequently attacked organs are the:

• Lungs
• Eyes
• Skin
• Liver
• Spleen

The disease is most prevalent in blacks and people of Scandinavian descent where the disease is more aggressive. Response to treatment is poor in blacks. Women to men ratio is usually 2:1. Most common age group that it occurs is in the 20 - 40 years Olds. The two major manifestations of Sarcoid is the lung disease and the disfiguring facial conditions.

Most often however, the disease is accidentally discovered on a routine chest x-ray. Therefore most affected people have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, if in the lung, they may begin as:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue

As the disease progresses, more pronounced symptoms will become manifest. If sarcoidosis is suspected, some tests can be done to confirm the diagnosis.

• Chest x-ray, will suspect the diagnosis
• Bronchoscopy with biopsy, will help firm the diagnosis
• Skin and lymph node biopsy - will also help firm the diagnosis
• Blood test - will suspect the diagnosis

The main therapy for sarcoidosis, depending on the stage, is prednisone; a steroid drug. Early stages of the disease, especially in people that are asymptomatic may not require treatment. Prednisone is usually required if:

• Heart, eyes, and brain are heavily involved
• If blood calcium level is high
• If lung involvement becomes debilitating

When taking prednisone, or any steroid, be familiar with all of their side effects even though these medications can be life saving. Common side-effects of prednisone are:

• Weight gain
• Diabetes (elevated blood sugar)
• Osteoporosis (bone thinning)
• Ulcers of the stomach
• Cataract formations

Diseases that look like sarcoidosis include:

• Tuberculosis
• Fungus
• Parasitic infections
• HIV

Your doctor will help you rule out these diseases.

Common complications associated with sarcoidosis:

• Asthma
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis