The Sarcoid Disease, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment (Updated) And Related Conditions

This book describes Sarcoid Disease, Diagnosis and updated Treatment and Related DiseasesSarcoidosis is multi-system inflammatory diseaseIncidence peaks in persons aged 25-35 years of ageInflammation occurs in the lymph nodes, lungs, eyes and organs of the bodyForming non-caseating granulomas which usually resolve spontaneouslyThings that may trigger the disease include infectionsA person with a family history is likely to develop the conditionGranulomas are clusters of immune cells which affects organs of the bodyIt most commonly affects the lungs with lymph nodes enlargement mainlyThere is chest pain, dry cough and breathlessnessThere is also joint pain, fatigue and general weaknessTo diagnose this condition, a biopsy of the lung is necessary.
Biopsy is usually done on the enlarged lymph nodes using bronchoscopyTreatment is usually with corticosteroids therapy. Immunosuppressive medicines may be necessaryThis medicine may need to be taken for 1 to 2 years to improve lung function. Rarely persons with severe heart or lung damage may need an organ transplant.-An original poem by Kenneth KeeSarcoid disease is a disease of inflammation that happens in the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, eyes, skin, or other tissues.
Sarcoid disease is a disease featured by the formation of non-caseating granulomas in a number of tissues which normally resolve spontaneously. The inflammation of tissues turns into bumps in the lymph nodes and numerous organs, such as the lungs and skin1. It can also affect the eyes and liver and, less often, the heart and brain.2. The disease affects people all over the world, in every climate and at every age.3.
It is fairly rare4. Sarcoidosis has no known cause and no definite course of progression or treatment. While this may be a bit problematic, it can also be a relief, since treatment may not even be needed in many cases.5. Patients often naturally go into remission, meaning the symptoms ultimately fade on their own. The precise cause of sarcoid disease is not known. What is known is that when a person has the disease, tiny clumps of immune cells (granulomas) form in certain organs of the body.
The disease can involve almost any organ of the body. It most often involves the lungs (90%). Causes:Doctors think that with sarcoid disease, persons have the genes that make it easy for them to develop the disease. Things that may trigger the disease are infections with bacteria or viruses or contact with dust or chemicals. Stages of Sarcoid DiseaseStage 1: The patient has lumps (granulomas) in the lymph nodes but not in the lungsStage 2: The patient has lumps in the lymph nodes and lumps in the lungsStage 3: The patient has lumps in the lungs but not in the lymph nodesStage 4: The patient has fibrosis in the lungs from the diseaseSymptomsThere may be no symptoms.
Bilateral hilar enlargement is found present on routine chest X rays. When symptoms happen, they can affect almost any organ system. Almost all (90%) patients have lung symptomsDiagnosis:Imaging tests may help diagnose sarcoid disease:a. Chest x-ray, CT scan to see if the lungs are involvedb. Lung gallium scan for lung involvementc. MRI of the brain and liver for brain and liver involvementTo diagnose this disorder, a biopsy via bronchoscopy is required.
TreatmentMost people diagnosed with sarcoidosis do not need medicine. The disorder resolves on its own in a few monthsThe doctor may also give the patient steroids if the disorder is affecting the heart, brain or eyes. If steroid is not suitable, the doctor may give1. Hydroxychloroquine2. Immunosuppressant, or3. TNF-alpha inhibitorsIn very severe cases, the patient may need a lung transplant. TABLE OF CONTENTIntroduction...