Introduction

If you are here, chances are that you or someone you care about are dealing with the complexities of sarcoidosis. It is a medical condition which often occurs in one's life with subtle symptoms that can be easily overlooked. Understanding the condition is crucial for timely sarcoidosis diagnosis and management.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the sarcoidosis causes, symptoms, treatment options, diagnosis methods, potential complications, and more, shedding light on the various aspects of sarcoidosis.

What is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition which leads to the formation of small patches of red and swollen (inflamed) lumps known as granulomas in various organs such as lungs, eyes, heart, skin, etc.

Who Does Sarcoidosis Affect?

Anyone can have sarcoidosis, but you are more likely to be affected:

• If you have a family history of sarcoidosis
• It can affect any age but is more common in adults aged 20 to 40
• If you are a woman
• Individuals with African or Scandinavian ancestry have a higher risk.
• If you are living or working near insecticides or in dusty/mouldy environments, it could increase your risk of sarcoidosis.

How Common is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is relatively rare, and its precise frequency is challenging to determine due to undiagnosed or mild cases. Estimates suggest around 10 to 20 cases per 100,000 people in the general population.

What are the Symptoms of Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis symptoms mainly depend on where granulomas are formed in your body. However, some symptoms are as follows:

General Sarcoidosis Symptoms

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Joint pain
• Kidney stones

Sarcoidosis Symptoms in Your Lungs

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Wheezing

Sarcoidosis Symptoms in Your Eyes

• Redness
• Pain
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light

Sarcoidosis Symptoms of Your Skin

• Skin rashes across your nose or cheeks
• Lesions on the cheeks, nose and ears
• Light or dark reddish-brown patches on facial skin
• Growths under the skin (nodules), specifically around scars and tattoos

Sarcoidosis Symptoms of Your Heart

• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath

It is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and not everyone will experience all the sarcoidosis symptoms listed above.

What are the Stages of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis?

Pulmonary sarcoidosis stages are categorised based on the appearance of your lungs on chest X-ray, which means it does not always indicate the severity of the condition.

Stage 0: Inflammatory (red and swollen) changes are seen without any tissue scarring.

Stage 1: Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest without significant lung scarring.

Stage 2: Lymph nodes in chest and lungs.

Stage 3: Lymph nodes in lungs only, which does not indicate progression. From Stage 2, you can go back to Stage 1 or Stage 3.

Stage 4: Scarring of the lung tissue means permanent lung damage.

You may not go through all the stages; lumps can start healing between any of the above-mentioned sarcoidosis stages.

What Causes Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis causes remain unknown. Although researchers believe that an overactive immune system can cause sarcoidosis, but what triggers the immune system, whether it is hereditary or environmental factors such as dust, bacteria, viruses, etc., is not known. Thus, sarcoidosis causes remains elusive.

How is Sarcoidosis Diagnosed?

Sarcoidosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of clinical assessments, imaging studies, laboratory tests, and if needed, tissue biopsies.

What Tests are Used to Diagnose Sarcoidosis?

Here is an overview of the sarcoidosis diagnosis process:

• Clinical Evaluation: Professionals assess your health through history, physical examination, and symptom discussions.
• Imaging Studies: Chest X-rays or CT scans identify granulomas or abnormalities in your lungs and other organs.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests such as Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C-reactive Protein, ferritin, and Fibrinogen gauge inflammation markers and rule out other conditions.
• Biopsies: If lumps are detected, a biopsy confirms the diagnosis by examining tissue from affected organs like lungs, skin, or lymph nodes.
• Other Tests: Additional assessments, like pulmonary function tests, evaluate sarcoidosis's impact on organ function.

How is Sarcoidosis Treated?

The sarcoidosis treatment aims to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent complications. As sarcoidosis is caused by an overactive immune system, the treatment mainly aims to treat the condition with medications that suppress the immune system.

What Medications Are Used to Treat Sarcoidosis?

The following medications aim at reducing the inflammation caused by an overactive immune system:

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response. They can be effective in managing symptoms, but long-term use may have side effects such as weight gain, acne, depression, etc.
• Immunosuppressive Medications: If corticosteroids are not well-tolerated or effective, other immunosuppressive medications, such as methotrexate or azathioprine, may be considered.
• Anti-TNF Agents: In some cases, particularly when other treatments are ineffective, anti-TNF (tumour necrosis factor) agents like infliximab may be used to modulate the immune response.
• Symptomatic Treatment: Medications or interventions may be prescribed to address specific symptoms or complications—for instance, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for joint pain or skin creams for skin lesions.

What are the Complications/Side Effects of Treatment?

Sarcoidosis treatment comes with specific side effects, such as:

• Weight gain
• Acne
• High blood pressure
• Bone weakness
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Depression
• Diabetes in susceptible people
• Eye problems like glaucoma and cataracts

How Soon After Treatment Will I Feel Better?

The timeframe for feeling better after starting sarcoidosis treatment can vary from weeks to months.

What Foods Should be Avoided with Sarcoidosis?

It is ideal to consume food that reduces inflammation in the body. Try to consume more fruits and vegetables, limiting meat. Avoid excess sugar and processed food such as bread, cheese, cakes, biscuits, etc.

How Can I Prevent Sarcoidosis?

Since the causes of sarcoidosis are unknown, it is not possible to prevent the condition. However, you can reduce the complications of the condition by strictly taking medications for sarcoidosis and following your healthcare provider's advice.

What is the Outcome for Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis outcome varies. Some experience improvement in three years, while others have a chronic course. Factors like organ involvement and treatment response influence recovery. Therefore, regular monitoring and not ignoring the symptoms of sarcoidosis are vital to improving the outlook.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis does not affect the life expectancy; you can lead a normal life. A very small percentage of cases may turn out to be fatal.

How Do I Take Care of Myself With Sarcoidosis?

You can take care of yourself by attending regular check-ups, adhering to prescribed medications, adopting a healthy lifestyle, staying informed, and communicating openly with your healthcare team. Also, do not hesitate to seek emotional support when needed to cope with the challenges of living with sarcoidosis.

Conclusion

Living with sarcoidosis requires a proactive and informed approach. Regular medical check-ups, adherence to prescribed medications, and a healthy lifestyle can help manage the condition. Metropolis Labs leads in accurate diagnosis with at-home blood tests, offering precise information for proactive health management. Consider exploring our services and articles at Metropolis Labs for precise diagnosis and valuable insights.