Sarcoidosis

Many disorders occur because the immune system triggers them, like sarcoidosis, yet they aren’t considered autoimmune diseases despite the fact that the immune system triggered them.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a condition in which the immune system triggers the formation of nodes or lumps that are called granulomas in different parts of the body; the most common of them are the lungs and lymph nodes. Granulomas are inflammatory areas that result from the accumulation of the white blood cells and are separated from the body because the immune system thinks that there is something harmful that these white cells must fight.

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition, and it affects women a little more than men; it’s usually diagnosed between the ages 25 and 40 years old.

Causes of sarcoidosis

• There isn’t a known reason for sarcoidosis, yet the scientists think that there are several genetic and environmental factors that contribute together in triggering sarcoidosis.
• The risk of sarcoidosis increases in African people and who have a family history.

Symptoms of sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis symptoms differ depending on the area where there are granulomas, and they might include:

• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Tiredness.
• Fever.
• Night sweats.
• Pain and swelling in joints.
• Muscle pain.
• Weight loss.
• Headaches.
• Symptoms of lung sarcoidosis: wheezing, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
• Symptoms of eye sarcoidosis: painful and itchy eyes, blurred vision, red or swollen eyes, dry eye, and light sensitivity.
• Symptoms of skin sarcoidosis: dark or light patches, growths under the skin, especially around scars and tattoos, red bumps or lesions on the shins, and high sores or rash around the nose or cheeks.
• Symptoms of heart sarcoidosis: heart failure, irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, chest pain, and dyspnea.

Complications of sarcoidosis

If sarcoidosis isn’t managed, the following complications might manifest:

• Pulmonary fibrosis (permanent scars in the lungs).
• Damage in the retina, which might lead to blindness.
• Kidney stones.
• Disrupting the heart rhythm and blood flow.
• If sarcoidosis affected the nervous system, it might lead to weakness or paralysis in the facial muscles, seizures, and increased thirst or urination.

Diagnosis of sarcoidosis

• Imaging tests.
• Biopsies.
• Blood and urine tests.
• Other tests, depending on the affected organ.

Management of sarcoidosis

• There isn’t a cure for sarcoidosis, but it could go away on its own in many cases.
• The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, and it mostly includes immunosuppressants.