Sarcoidosis - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Sarcoidosis is a condition in which the body's cells become inflamed. This inflammation causes the formation of granulomas, which are inflammatory cells that accumulate. Sarcoidosis more often attacks the lungs, but can also be found in other organs of the body, such as the brain, eyes, skin, heart, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes.

Symptoms of Sarcoidosis

Symptoms of sarcoidosis can appear slowly with different patterns, depending on which organs of the body are experiencing this condition. In some cases, symptoms may only appear for a moment, then disappear. There are also symptoms that last for years (chronic), or they don't show any symptoms at all.

Common symptoms of sarcoidosis are fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, and excessive tiredness. The following are the symptoms of sarcoidosis based on the organ affected:

Lungs
Patients with sarcoidosis will complain of shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing (wheezing). In addition, patients also experience dry cough and chest pain.
Eye
Eyes with sarcoidosis will feel very painful and sensitive to light. In addition to red eyes, vision also becomes blurry. However, sometimes sarcoidosis that attacks the eye can also show no symptoms at all, so it is important to have your eyes checked regularly.
Skin
On the skin of patients with sarcoidosis will appear a rash or purplish red patches (erythema). Usually the rash appears on the wrists or feet, as well as the shins. The area will feel warm or tender to the touch. Patients also have areas of skin that are darker or lighter in color. This symptom will also be accompanied by the appearance of a nodule or swelling under the skin, especially in the area of the skin where there is a wound or tattoo. The appearance of blemishes or scars on the cheeks, nose, and ears can also be a sign of sarcoidosis.
Heart
Patients with sarcoidosis of the heart will experience fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), palpitations, swelling of body tissues due to excess fluid (edema), until unconsciousness.

Causes of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis can be triggered by several factors, but the exact cause is still unknown. Sarcoidosis can be triggered by exposure to infection, dust, or chemicals. Such exposure results in an overreaction of the immune system, thereby forming an inflammatory reaction and granulomas, in the affected organ. As the size of the granuloma in the affected organ increases, the function of the organ will also be disturbed.

Some of the factors that increase a person's risk for sarcoidosis are:

Age and gender. This disease is more experienced by women than men, and is in the age range of 20-40 years.
Family history of sarcoidosis. A person has the potential to suffer from sarcoidosis if this condition has occurred before in the family.
Personal health history. Having a history of lymphoma or lymph cancer, which is cancer that attacks the immune system, can increase your risk
Race. Sarcoidosis is more common in African-Americans. This racial group is also more at risk for severe and recurrent sarcoidosis (relapse), than other racial groups.

Sarcoidosis Diagnosis

Doctors can suspect a patient has sarcoidosis if there are symptoms. Then it is strengthened by a physical examination, namely by examining body parts suspected of having sarcoidosis, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and lymph nodes, to detect swelling. To confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to carry out further examinations, in the form of:

blood test, to check the overall health of the body, especially the function of the liver and kidneys.
chest X-ray, to check if there are abnormalities in the lungs or an enlarged heart.
pulmonary function test, to measure lung volume and capacity.
CT scan, MRI, or PET scan, for a clearer picture of the organs.
Biopsy, by taking a small piece of tissue from the part of the body suspected of being a granuloma, and examining it under a microscope.

Sarcoidosis Treatment

Half of all cases of sarcoidosis are self-limiting. Some patients do not require special treatment if no significant symptoms are found. However, the doctor will continue to monitor the progress of the patient's condition.

Treatment for sarcoidosis will be given if the symptoms are felt to interfere with or threaten the function of other organs. Types of treatment for sarcoidosis include:

Administration of anti-inflammatory drugs, namely corticosteroids, drugs that are the first-line treatment for sarcoidosis. This medicine can be taken by mouth, applied directly to the skin, or put in the eye.
Giving hydroxychloroquine, to treat skin disorders.
Giving immunosuppressive drugs, to suppress the immune system in order to reduce the symptoms of inflammation.
Organ transplant, if sarcoidosis has resulted in organ damage.

In addition to undergoing treatment, making lifestyle changes as suggested below can make it easier for sufferers to live their daily lives:

As much as possible avoid exposure to dust and chemicals
Quit smoking
Start a doctor-recommended diet and balanced diet
Meet the water intake
Make sure your body is resting and exercising enough.

Complications of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis usually goes away on its own. However, some cases of sarcoidosis can progress to chronic (long-term), which can lead to a number of complications, such as: