Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis symptoms may vary on the involved organs and the condition's seriousness. Patients suffering from the condition might experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms of this condition are:

• Respiratory Symptoms: It involves persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, and discomfort.
• Skin Symptoms: The condition can lead to skin-related issues like rashes, red or purple bumps on the skin (nodules or plaques), and skin lesions. 
• Fatigue: It can be from mild to severe and an individual may experience a lack of energy. 
• Fever and Night Sweats 
• Weight Loss
• Joint and Muscle Pain: The condition can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
• Eye Symptoms: Sarcoidosis causes eye-related problems like pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, redness, dryness, and, in rare cases, vision loss.
• Enlarged Lymph Nodes: These occur in the groin, neck, and armpits.
• Cardiac Symptoms: Sarcoidosis can lead to symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath.

Sarcoidosis is among the most intricate and badly understood conditions and according to research the exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, there are certain theories linked to the probable sarcoidosis causes and its triggers. Let’s have a look at some of the factors contributing the development of this condition:

• Immune system dysfunction
• Environmental factors: It includes factors like bacteria, viruses, or fungi, allergens, occupational exposures (e.g., to certain chemicals or dust), or other unknown environmental factors.
• Genetic factors
• Ethnicity and family history
• Unknown triggers: The triggers might include infectious agents, environmental factors, or other factors initiating an immune response causing sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis diagnosis is challenging because of its diverse range of symptoms and the particular diagnostic test absence. There are certain factors linked to the diagnosis which involves:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Imaging studies: It includes chest X-rays and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) chest scans. 
• Laboratory tests: These tests include blood test, angiotensin- converting enzyme, biopsy. 
• Other tests: It involves pulmonary test, electrocardiogram, nuclear imaging, purified protein derivative, and slit-lamp examination.

Sarcoidosis treatment options depend on its severity, affected organs and the symptoms experienced by an individual. While no cure is available for the treatment of sarcoidosis, there are different options for treatment available for managing symptoms, reducing inflammation, and preventing organ damage. The most common treatment options used to treat sarcoidosis are:

• Observation and monitoring: It involves regular monitoring of symptoms, physical exams, and imaging studies to understand the disease progression.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, like prednisone, are the primary options available to treat sarcoidosis. It helps in reducing the inflammation and managing modulation of the immune response. 
• Immunosuppressive medications: These are useful in suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. Medicine options involve methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, etc.These drugs are often used in more severe or refractory cases of sarcoidosis.
• Symptom-specific treatments:This inculcates treatment options like nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs, medications to treat eye inflammation, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

• Other treatments: It involves immunomodulatory agents and surgical intervention in certain cases, such as patients with severe complications or organ damage. Instances might include heart transplantation or lung.

Rukmani Birla Hospital, Jaipur is among the eminent multi-special hospitals operating in the city for decades. The hospital has integrated the most amazing and experienced doctors including other staff members. We ensure dedicating ourselves to offering exceptional and satisfactory patient care. The primary objective behind the inception of this hospital is to make healthcare services available to everyone at an affordable cost including the finest treatment. So, if you are looking for a sarcoidosis treatment, then get in touch with our most skilled and highly talented professionals at RBH.