I can honestly say I had never heard of this disease until gospel artist Ricky Dillard mentioned he had been diagnosed. My curiosity as to what this disease was all about lead me to research. I thought I would share information about this disease. I believe in being in the know when it comes to health issues and well being for us all. You can view the information below at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sarcoidosis/DS00251/DSECTION=complications
According to the Mayo Clinic: Sarciodosis is the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells in different
parts of your body — most commonly the lungs, lymph nodes, eyes and
skin.
Doctors believe sarcoidosis results from the body's immune system
responding to an unknown substance, most likely something inhaled from
the air. There is no cure for sarcoidosis, but most people do very well
with modest treatment. Sarcoidosis often goes away on its own.
Alternatively, signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis may last for years and
sometimes lead to organ damage.
Symptons:
Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis vary, depending on which organs are
affected. Sarcoidosis sometimes develops gradually and produces
symptoms that last for years. Other times, symptoms appear suddenly and
then disappear just as quickly. Many people with sarcoidosis have no
symptoms, so the disease may be discovered only when you have a chest
X-ray for another reason.
Generalized symptoms
For many people, sarcoidosis begins with these signs and symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
Lung symptoms
Almost everyone who has sarcoidosis eventually experiences lung problems, which may include:
- Persistent dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
Skin symptoms
As many as 25 percent of people who have sarcoidosis develop skin problems, which may include:
- Rash. A rash of red or reddish-purple bumps, usually located on the shins or ankles, which may be warm and tender to the touch.
- Lesions. Disfiguring skin sores may occur on your nose, cheeks and ears.
- Color change. Areas of skin may get darker or lighter in color.
- Nodules. Growths just under the skin may develop, particularly around scars or tattoos.
Eye symptoms
Sarcoidosis can affect the eyes without causing any symptoms, so it's
important to have your eyes checked. When eye symptoms do occur, they
may include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Severe redness
- Sensitivity to light
When to see a doctor
Although sarcoidosis is not always serious, it can cause long-term
damage to your organs. See your doctor if you experience signs and
symptoms suggestive of sarcoidosis.
Causes:
Doctors don't know the exact cause of sarcoidosis. Some people appear
to have a genetic predisposition to developing the disease, which may
be triggered by exposure to specific bacteria, viruses, dust or
chemicals. Researchers are still trying to pinpoint the genes and
trigger substances associated with sarcoidosis.
Normally, your immune system helps protect your body from foreign
substances and invading microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
But in sarcoidosis, some immune cells collect in a pattern of
inflammation called granulomas. As granulomas build up in an organ, the
function of that organ can be affected.
Risk Factors:
While anyone can develop sarcoidosis, factors that may increase your risk include:
- Age and sex. Sarcoidosis often occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. Women are slightly more likely to develop the disease.
- Race. African-Americans have a higher incidence of
sarcoidosis than do white Americans. Also, sarcoidosis may be more
severe and may be more likely to recur and cause lung problems in
African-Americans.
- Family history. If someone in your family has had sarcoidosis, you are more likely to develop the disease yourself.
Please pass this information on and take time to learn more to protect you and your family from this disease.
Peace and Blessings!
