What is sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is a disease that affects multiple organs of the body. More specifically, it is a disease through which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, skin and other tissues.
This condition causes small patches of red, inflamed tissue, known as granulomas.
Prognosis of the disease
In many cases, the symptoms of sarcoidosis improve without treatment as the months or years go by.
However, there are cases of sarcoidosis patients whose symptoms do not improve and are severely affected. These patients suffer from what is known as chronic sarcoidosis.
Symptoms of sarcoidosis
Symptoms can vary, depending on which organs are involved. However, it is common for patients to have a persistent dry cough, fatigue and shortness of breath. In addition, among the most typical signs of sarcoidosis are:
- Tender red bumps on the skin.
- Red, watery eyes
- Swollen joints
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groins
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest and lungs
Medical tests for sarcoidosis
There are different tests that can be done to diagnose this disease:
- Chest x-ray — to see the condition of the lungs or if the lymph nodes have enlarged
- CT scan of the chest
- Echocardiogram
- MRI of the heart
- Imaging tests of the brain and liver
What causes sarcoidosis?
The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. Some experts say it may be a type of autoimmune disease associated with an abnormal immune response.
Normally, the body’s immune system releases white blood cells into the blood to isolate and destroy germs where there is an infection. In this way, the immune system responds to anything in the blood that it does not recognize and calms down once the infection is gone.
In cases of sarcoidosis, the immune system has been revved up and the body attacks its own tissues and organs. This causes granulomas to develop in the organs. It is not known why the immune system behaves this way, but some environmental factors may trigger the condition.
Can it be prevented?
To help control the condition, a number of measures can be followed, based on a healthy lifestyle. These measures include:
- Smoking cessation
- Avoiding exposure to dust, chemicals, fumes and gases.
- Following a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Drinking plenty of water
Treatments for sarcoidosis
In most cases, the condition tends to disappear on its own, usually within a few months or years, without the need for treatment.
In other cases, however, the eyes, heart, lungs or nervous system are affected, so that treatment with corticosteroids will be necessary. Less frequently, there are patients with end-stage lung or heart damage who may need organ transplants.
Which specialist treats it?
The specialist in charge of the treatment of sarcoidosis is the expert in Pneumology.