Risk Factors

• Some exposures to dusty or moldy environments have increased risk of developing sarcoidosis.
• Women are more likely to develop the disease than men.
• People between 20 to 40 years of age are more likely to develop sarcoidosis than others.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SARCOIDOSIS :

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Wheezing or abnormal breathing
• Night sweats
• Feeling congested
• Fatigue

Sarcoidosis also can cause skin rashes or raised bumps on the skin, joint pain or stiffness, eye irritation, dryness of the eyes and sometimes blurry vision, fast heart rate or lightheadedness, kidney stones, increased levels of calcium in the bloodstream, abnormal liver function.

DIAGNOSIS

Based on patient’s medical history, routine tests, a physical examination, physician may order additional diagnostic tests:

• A chest X-ray can be used to check for granulomas and swollen lymph nodes.
• A chest CT scan is an imaging test that takes cross-sectional pictures of your chest.
• A lung function test can help determine whether your lung capacity has become affected.
• A biopsy involves taking a sample from an affected organ. From the lungs this is most easily and painlessly done by bronchoscopy.

TREATMENT

Many patients with sarcoidosis may recover spontaneously without any drugs. Carefully selected patients are offered steroids which must be given under careful supervision.

There’s no cure for sarcoidosis, but in many cases it may recover spontaneously without any treatment. Patient may not require treatment if he/she has no symptoms or only mild symptoms of the condition. The severity and extent of your condition will determine whether and what type of treatment is needed.

Medication: If your symptoms are severe or organ function is threatened, patient will be treated with medications. These may include, Corticosteroids. These powerful anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the first line treatment for sarcoidosis. Medications that suppress the immune system. Medications such as methotrexate (Trexall) and azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Hydroxychloroquine, (Plaquenil) may be helpful for skin lesions and elevated blood-calcium levels. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors commonly used to treat the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Monitoring: Symptoms will be monitored by the physician to determine the effectiveness of the treatments and check for complications. Monitoring may include regular tests based on patient’s condition. Routine tests may include chest X-rays, lab and urine tests, EKGs, and exams of the lungs, eyes, skin and any other organ involved.

Surgery: If sarcoidosis has severely damaged lungs, heart or liver, organ transplant may be considered.