Sarcoidosis - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Vital Information on Sarcoidosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment 

Sarcoidosis is a perplexing and misunderstood illness that may involve several organs within the body, most notably the lungs and lymph nodes. Though unusual, it may include the skin, eyes, heart, and nervous system.

This medical condition causes the development of granulomas, which are aggregates of inflammatory cells that destroy the normal function and structure of the infected organs. If not timely treated, this can lead to complications. Thus, individuals afflicted with the disease and their caregivers must be informed about sarcoidosis symptoms, its causes, treatment options, and other crucial aspects.

Keep reading for in-depth insight!

What are the Symptoms of Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis symptoms are varied depending on the organs involved. Some of them are completely asymptomatic and are found incidentally, while others have very severe, debilitating complications.

1. General Symptoms

Most patients with sarcoidosis have nonspecific symptoms on general health and wellness, such as:

• Fatigue : This is one of the most common complaints. Patients may feel constantly tired or weak with little physical activity.
• Fever : Low-grade fevers are extremely common as accompaniments to the inflammatory process, especially during acute flare-ups.
• Unintended Weight Loss : Some people may experience weight loss without changes in activity or diet, usually secondary to systemic inflammation.
• Night Sweats : A few episodes of nocturnal profuse sweating are common and can be a sign of active disease.

2. Lung Symptoms (Sarcoidosis of Lung)

The lungs are involved in almost 90% of cases of sarcoidosis, so respiratory symptoms are a good indicator of the diagnosis. These include:

• Persistent Dry Cough : One of the first symptoms observed is a cough without mucus that usually lasts for weeks or months.
• Shortness of Breath : Shortness of breath can start with physical exertion and advance to distress even at rest in severe stages.
• Chest Pain or Tightness : Chest pain is reported by some patients, which in certain cases can be a facsimile of cardiac symptoms.

3. Skin Symptoms (Skin Sarcoidosis)

Cutaneous sarcoidosis may present in different patterns and usually involves dermatological examination. Symptoms are:

• Red or Purple Bumps : Commonly located on the face, arms, or shins. They are painful, itchy, or both.
• Erythema Nodosum : Red tender lumps, typically on the lower legs, can occur during the active disease and clear up without scarring.

4. Eye Symptoms (Sarcoidosis Eye)

Ocular sarcoidosis is an emergent complication that must be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. Symptoms to look for are:

• Blurred Vision : Often, one of the first signs, it can be due to inflammation of the eye tissue.
• Redness and Pain : These are uveitis or inflammation of the eyes that can result in vision loss if not given timely treatment.
• Photophobia (Sensitivity to Light) : Hyperlight sensitivity is observed with iris inflammation or other internal structures of the eye.

5. Symptoms of the Heart (Cardiac Sarcoidosis)

Rare, but life-threatening, cardiac sarcoidosis must be monitored closely with the help of these symptoms:

• Abnormal Heart Rhythm (Arrhythmias) : Patients may have anything from a mild palpitation to life-threatening arrhythmias.
• Fainting or Dizziness : These are signs of electrical conduction issuesin the heart and reduced blood supply.
• Symptoms of Heart Failure : More severe illness may exhibit weakness, water retention, and shortness of breath due to a weakened heart.

What Causes Sarcoidosis?

The precise sarcoidosis causes are yet to be identified. Most researchers are certain that it results from an abnormal immune response, which can be triggered by environmental, infectious, or genetic factors.

Potential triggers include:

• Infections : Infection with bacteria such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis or fungi can trigger an overreaction of the immune system to result in sarcoidosis in vulnerable individuals.
• Environmental Exposures : Exposure to dust, mold, pesticides, or industrial chemicals, most commonly at work, has been associated with the development of sarcoidosis.
• Genetics : Sarcoidosis occasionally occurs in families, which suggests a genetic component predisposing one to the development of the condition.

When the body reacts to the above-mentioned stimuli, it forms sarcoidosis granuloma clusters, which are aggregates of immune cells and can appear in any organ. Some granulomas resolve spontaneously, whereas others cause chronic inflammation and potential organ damage over time.

How is Sarcoidosis Diagnosed?

There isn't a single test for Sarcoidosis diagnosis, so your doctors use a combination of general screening for your health, imaging, and laboratory tests to determine the condition.

This is how doctors usually diagnose sarcoidosis:

1. Medical History and a Quick Check-up

It begins with your doctor talking to you about what you've been going through, whether you've been exposed to anything, and whether there's a history of sarcoidosis in your family. Then, they'll perform a physical exam to see if you have any obvious symptoms, such as rashes on the skin or swollen glands.

2. Imaging

Imaging tests are really important for figuring out what's going on inside the body, particularly in the lungs and lymph nodes. They may include:

• Chest X-ray : Often, the first image doctors receive, it can reveal whether there are any suspicious areas in your lungs or if chest lymph nodes are inflamed.
• CT Scan : If the X-ray won't shed light, or if your physician has a hunch that something more complex is going on, a computed tomography (CT) scan provides much more specific, cross-sectional images.

3. Laboratory Test

Laboratory tests are useful for looking for signs of inflammation and determining your organ health. They include:

• Blood Tests : These tests, such as your calcium level, liver enzymes, and general inflammatory markers, may be conducted.
• ACE Level Test (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) : While an elevated ACE level points towards sarcoidosis, it's not a solution because levels vary significantly.

4. Tissue Biopsy

Getting a tissue biopsy is generally the best way to confirm the existence of sarcoidosis. A healthcare provider removes a tiny amount of tissue from an infected organ, such as the lungs, skin, or lymph nodes, and examines it under a microscope.

If they find sarcoidosis granulomas (little clusters of inflammation cells), that generally confirms the diagnosis.

5. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

If sarcoidosis is a possibility in your lungs, pulmonary function tests help monitor how your lungs are performing. These tests assess your lung capacity, airflow in and out of the lungs, and how efficiently oxygen is transferred into your bloodstream. Abnormal results could indicate lung damage.

What are the Treatment Options for Sarcoidosis?

Treatment is not always necessary for every individual with sarcoidosis. In certain mild or early cases, the condition may resolve on its own without treatment. However, if the symptoms linger, get worse, or threaten vital organs, prompt and focused therapy can avoid complications.

1. Major Treatment Methods of Sarcoidosis

• Corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) : They are the initial treatment, dampening the immune system and suppressing inflammation brought on by granulomas. Over the long term, they can lead to weight gain, elevated blood pressure, and bone loss.
• Immunosuppressive Drugs : Reserved in the case when steroids are ineffective or are causing side effects.
• Methotrexate : Usually a steroid-sparing drug, particularly for sarcoidosis of the lung or skin.
• Azathioprine or Leflunomide : Alternatives to long-term treatment in cases where methotrexate cannot be administered.
• Biologic Drugs : These entail new drugs targeting particular immune processes, which are normally reserved for cases when first-line treatment fails.
• TNF-alpha Inhibitors (e.g., Infliximab) :Tending to be used for refractory or severe sarcoidosis, often in highly sensitive organs such as the heart or eyes.

2. Treating Specific Sarcoidosis Symptoms

Some treatments directly cure organ-specific symptoms without systemic medication:

• Inhalers : For respiratory problems due to lung sarcoidosis.
• Topical Creams : To cure inflammation and pain for skin sarcoidosis.
• Eye Drops : To cure eye inflammation and pain.

3. Lifestyle and Supportive Measures for Sarcoidosis

Lifestyle modifications encourage overall well-being and support recovery. They may include:

• Smoking Cessation : Indicated for patients with lung involvement since it aggravates respiratory symptoms and reduces the efficacy of treatment.
• Maintaining a Balanced Diet : A nutrient-dense diet maintains immune function and allows for tolerance of long-term treatment.
• Engaging in Light Exercise : Mild exercise such as walking, yoga, or swimming may relieve tiredness and enhance endurance.

Is It Possible to Cure or Manage Sarcoidosis Naturally?

While there's no guaranteed natural cure, some individuals do recover based on changes in diet and lifestyle. Most stories of "how I cured my sarcoidosis" revolve around a holistic strategy for symptom management.

Some complementary approaches are:

• Anti-inflammatory Diet : Consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 foods to reduce the inflammation in your body.
• Stress Management : Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can have the ability to reduce stress levels, which otherwise would initiate inflammation.
• Herbal Supplements (with approval by your doctor) : Herbal natural alternatives such as ginger and turmeric are believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties. However, always get your doctor's approval first.

Note: These techniques may be beneficial in enhancing medical treatment, but never consider their position to take your doctor-prescribed sarcoidosis treatment plan.

Sarcoidosis can be erratic, but it is manageable with proper knowledge and treatment. In this regard, having a comprehensive health insurance plan can ensure timely access to diagnostic procedures and treatment without the burden of finances. The policies offered by Star Health offer pre- and post-hospitalization coverage, cashless treatment in 14,000+ hospitals, telemedicine services, and more, helping you manage any medical emergency or health issue with ease.

Call us today and safeguard your health and finances!