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What is sarcoidosis? -

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that develops when groups of cells in your immune system form small patches of swollen tissue, called granulomas (pictured), in the organs of the body.

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How does it develop? -

The disease usually begins in the lungs or lymph nodes. This thoracic scan reveals pulmonary inflammation provoked by sarcoidosis.

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What other organs can be affected? -

Sarcoidosis can also affect the eyes, skin, heart, and nervous system.

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Pulmonary sarcoidosis -

Symptoms of sarcoidosis vary widely depending on the organs affected. When it strikes the lungs, for example, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain may occur. This is known as pulmonary sarcoidosis.

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Skin symptoms -

Swollen and painful joints is another indicator of sarcoidosis. A common sign is erythema nodosum—raised, red, and tender bumps that form on the skin, usually on the front of the legs.

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Lofgren syndrome -

Skin symptoms relating to sarcoidosis can also be described as signs of Lofgren syndrome. This is a specific acute clinical presentation of systemic sarcoidosis, consisting of a classic triad of fever, erythema nodosum, and bilateral hilar adenopathy (enlargement of the pulmonary lymph nodes).

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Cardiac sarcoidosis -

Cardiac sarcoidosis can cause an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and may even lead to heart failure.

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Renal sarcoidosis -

Hypercalcemia, or high levels of calcium in the blood, are seen in 10–17% of patients with sarcoidosis. This increase in calcium can contribute to the formation of kidney stones.

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Causes of sarcoidosis -

The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not known. The body's immune system normally fights off infections by releasing white blood cells into the blood to isolate and destroy germs. The immune system creates inflammation to help this process along.

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Granulomas -

But in sarcoidosis, inflammation goes into overdrive and the cells in your immune system form lumps, known as granulomas, in your body.

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Damage to organs -

Over time, chronic inflammation may lead to the permanent scarring of organs, the lungs for example. In effect, the body attacks its own tissues.

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Who's affected? -

Sarcoidosis can affect people of any age, race, and gender. And while still a rare disease, it's becoming more prevalent, affecting people worldwide.

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Risk factors -

Advanced age raises the risk of acquiring sarcoidosis. Those over 55 are especially vulnerable.

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Environmental issues -

Living or working near insecticides, mold, or other substances that may cause inflammation raises the chances of developing sarcoidosis.

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Family history and genetics -

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, having a close relative with sarcoidosis raises your risk. The condition, however, is not infectious, so it cannot be passed from person to person.

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Race or ethnicity -

Data published by the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR) indicates that African Americans are most likely to develop the condition, and it is slightly more common in women than in men.

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Scandinavian descent -

Your risk of developing sarcoidosis also increases if you are of Scandinavian descent, notes the FSR.

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Diagnosis -

If your symptoms suggest you have pulmonary sarcoidosis, a chest X-ray will normally be carried out to ascertain the condition of the lungs and the airways.

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CT scan -

Alternatively, a CT scan may be suggested in order to take a closer look at the affected area. A CT scan uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body.

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Lung function test -

A painless procedure, a lung function test requires the patient to breathe into a mouthpiece that is attached to a spirometer, a device that measures the amount and speed of air you blow out. It provides information about how well your lungs are working.

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Blood test -

A blood test will check your blood counts, hormone levels, and how well your kidneys are functioning.

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Lung biopsy -

If preliminary test results do indeed indicate pulmonary sarcoidosis, then a lung biopsy will be carried out using a bronchoscope.

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Other tests -

Other tests—scans or examinations—are available to identify sarcoidosis affecting other organs, such as the skin, heart, or eyes.

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Treatment options -

Many people with sarcoidosis don't require treatment, as the condition often goes away on its own usually within a few months or years. Lofgren's syndrome, for example, is an acute, milder form of sarcoidosis that usually disappears within six months to two years after diagnosis.

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Corticosteroids -

For chronic symptoms, corticosteroids are the primary treatment for sarcoidosis. Taken either as pills or injected, inhaled, or administered as eye drops, corticosteroids help relieve symptoms and prevent damage to affected organs by reducing inflammation and preventing scarring.

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Immune system suppressant medication -

When corticosteroids are not effective, you may be prescribed immune system suppressant medication.

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Living with sarcoidosis -

Many people with sarcoidosis have breathing problems, but after treatment starts, symptoms may improve over several months. However, the prognosis of most sufferers remains hard to estimate. Living with sarcoidosis likely means working with doctors and specialists in different areas of healthcare to manage your disease and symptoms.

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Long-term outlook -

The good news is that in roughly 60% of cases the granulomas that cause sarcoidosis will disappear over a period of two to five years and the patient will recover. Furthermore, relapse with patients who experience remission is unlikely.

Sources: (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute) (Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research) (Johns Hopkins Medicine) (Sarcoidosis News) (SarcoidosisUK)

See also: The best anti-inflammatory foods to improve your health

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