Sarcoidosis
is a disease caused by the deposition of granulomas
in body organs. It is more often found in the lungs,
but may also be seen in the lymph nodes, liver, eyes
and skin. The granulomas may eventually disappear or
become scars.
What
are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?
Symptoms of sarcoidosis can vary greatly. Some people may
have minor symptoms that do not worsen. Others discover they
have the disease during a chest
x-ray that is ordered for other reasons. If sarcoidosis
is present in the lungs, patients may complain of a dry cough,
chest pain or shortness
of breath. In patients with sarcoidosis outside
of the lungs, they may complain of fever, soreness of the
eyes, swollen ankles, scaly rash or red bumps on the legs.
More general
symptoms are:
-Fatigue
-Weight loss
-Aching joints
-Enlarged lymph nodes
How
is sarcoidosis diagnosed?
Your physician will take a medical history and perform a physical
examination.
How
is sarcoidosis treated?
Many patients with sarcoidosis improve without treatment.
If treatment is recommended, the main goal is to relieve the
symptoms. Corticosteroids may be given to combat symptoms
of shortness of breath,
joint pain or fever. Follow-up appointments are important
to monitor any changes or improvements in the disease and
adjust treatment if necessary. It is important that patients
diagnosed with sarcoidosis do not smoke and avoid irritants
that may harm the lungs.
