Facts to Know About Sarcoidosis from Inflammation to Diagnosis

Sarcoidosis is a health condition that causes the development of small clumps or collections of immune system cells in a specific part of the body. These concentrated clusters of cells form swollen, red lumps called granulomas and are most commonly found in the lymph nodes of the chest and the lungs, in addition to the eyes and skin.

Unfortunately, sarcoidosis symptoms can vary significantly. As a result, the condition can at times go unnoticed or even be mistaken for other illnesses. Gaining a clear and accurate understanding of sarcoidosis is critical to timely identification and medical intervention.

This article defines sarcoidosis and discusses sarcoidosis symptoms, sarcoidosis causes, and sarcoidosis treatment by sharing essential facts to help individuals stay informed and aware of this condition.

1. Sarcoidosis Symptoms Can Be Varied

Sarcoidosis symptoms vary with the individual, as well as the affected area of the body. General sarcoidosis symptoms include fever, fatigue, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain or weakness, kidney stones and sudden, unexplained weight loss.

Here are other sarcoidosis symptoms to keep in mind:

• Sarcoidosis symptoms for when the lungs are affected: Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest pain.
• Sarcoidosis symptoms for when the eyes are affected: Eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and red and swollen eyes.
• Sarcoidosis symptoms for when the heart is affected: Shortness of breath, heart failure, chest pain, and irregular heartbeat.
• Sarcoidosis symptoms for when the nervous system is affected: Weak or paralysed facial muscles, increased thirst and urges to urinate, headaches and seizures.
• Sarcoidosis symptoms for when the skin is affected: Light and dark patches of skin, red and tender bumps, raised and reddish-purple sores, and growth under the skin, around tattoos and scars.

2. The Exact Sarcoidosis Causes are Not Yet Known

While sarcoidosis causes are not yet known, research suggests that sarcoidosis causes could include a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Further, it is also speculated that certain individuals have a higher chance of developing sarcoidosis due to their immune system’s tendency to overreact to triggers such as bacteria and viruses.

3. Sarcoidosis Requires a Combination of Tests and Procedures to be Diagnosed

Sarcoidosis is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, biopsy of suspected granulomas, and imaging of the chest, such as X-rays. Doctors can also prescribe tests such as the Liver Function Test (LFT), electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), and pulmonary function tests for sarcoidosis treatment.

4. Sarcoidosis is Treatable, But Not Curable

Sarcoidosis does not have a known cure, but one can seek sarcoidosis treatment. After examining an individual’s sarcoidosis symptoms and studying the results of tests such as the LFT and ECG, doctors can plan the sarcoidosis treatment. That said, sometimes, sarcoidosis might go away on its own as well, without requiring medical intervention.

5. There Are No Known Measures That Can Prevent Sarcoidosis

Since sarcoidosis causes are not yet known, there are no preventive measures that individuals can take to avoid sarcoidosis symptoms. Further, if symptoms aren’t hampering an individual’s life, the condition might not need to be treated immediately either. Individuals must consult a doctor for a customised sarcoidosis treatment plan.

6. Sarcoidosis Can Cause Some Long-term Complications

Sarcoidosis can sometimes cause long-term complications such as scarring, inflammation, damage (to the retina, in case the affected areas are the eyes), hypercalcemia (a condition involving excess calcium in the bloodstream), problems with blood flow in the body, and paralysed facial muscles (in case the affected area includes the nervous system).

One can define sarcoidosis as the body’s overreaction to triggers such as bacteria and viruses, resulting in granulomas. The degree of severity of sarcoidosis can vary from individual to individual. While the health condition might go away without medical intervention for some individuals, for others it could warrant regular and targeted medical treatment. Individuals must consult a doctor in case they notice the above-mentioned sarcoidosis symptoms for timely sarcoidosis treatment. Individuals can also book necessary tests by downloading the Dr Lal PathLabs app for reliable and accurate results.

FAQs

• What is sarcoidosis?
  Sarcoidosis is a health condition that causes one’s immune system to create lumps called granulomas. These are most commonly developed in the lymph nodes of the chest and the lungs.
• What are some common sarcoidosis symptoms?
  Sarcoidosis symptoms vary with each individual. Typically, sarcoidosis symptoms include fever, fatigue, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain or weakness, kidney stones and sudden, unexplained weight loss.
• What are some common sarcoidosis causes?
  While no exact cause of sarcoidosis has been found, research suggests that sarcoidosis causes can include a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Some individuals might have a higher chance of developing the condition due to a tendency to overreact to specific triggers such as bacteria and viruses.
• What is sarcoidosis treatment?
  Sarcoidosis treatment usually involves managing its symptoms and preventing organ damage, as there is no known cure for the condition. Doctors can often prescribe tests such as the Liver Function test (LFT), Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), and others to plan sarcoidosis treatment.