Dorothy FarrarSarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis, also known as Boeck’s disease, is a relatively rare autoimmune disease that mainly affects the lungs and lymph nodes. The disease is usually symptom-free at first. In the advanced stage, shortness of breath, cough and swollen lymph nodes are typical symptoms of sarcoidosis.
What is sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is also called Boeck’s syndrome after its discoverer, the physician Dr. Boeck. This disease has not yet been conclusively researched. As a systemic auto-immune disease, it belongs to the rheumatic type.
The treatment of sarcoidosis belongs in the hands of specialists such as rheumatologists, internists and lung specialists. In addition, of course, the family doctor can treat concurrently. Sarcoidosis is a chronic disease and can even lead to death if left untreated.
Causes
The reasons for this disease can still not be proven exactly. On the one hand, pollutants in the environment are suspected as triggers, but research is also being conducted into genetic causes.Recent studies confirm the thesis that lung involvement must have been preceded by damage to the respiratory tract. Chemical substances as well as viruses or bacteria can be used for this.
Drug treatments are also suspected of triggering sarcoidosis or sarcoid-like lesions. These include, for example, hepatitis C treatment with interferon and ribavirin.
Infectious diseases such as glandular fever may also be responsible for the development of sarcoidosis.
Symptoms and course
Typical symptoms:
Since sarcoidosis is quite mild and asymptomatic in the initial stages, it is often discovered very late. Typical symptoms are often shortness of breath, cough and a feeling of pressure in the upper body. In addition, there is joint pain and persistent fatigue.
In the advanced stage of sarcoidosis, the sick person suffers from massively swollen, painful lymph nodes, as they also occur in many infectious diseases.
Fever can, but it does not have to occur. Sarcoidosis causes tissue changes called granulomas. Especially dangerous for the patient is the involvement of the lungs. In the final stage, the airways are practically constricted by stenosis. Rheuatism-like inflammation affects the joints, muscles and tendons.
When to see a doctor?
If swelling, cough, skin lesions and other signs of sarcoidosis occur, a doctor’s visit is recommended. Although sarcoidosis does not necessarily have to be the underlying cause, the symptoms indicate a serious illness that requires clarification. Therefore, medical advice should be sought with the typical symptoms in any case. If further complaints are added, it is best to contact the emergency medical service. Sarcoidosis is a serious disease that must be clarified by a doctor in any case.
People who have come into contact with chemicals, particulate matter, bacteria, fungi, viruses or allergenic substances in the past belong to the risk groups. Even people in whose family there are already cases of sarcoidosis should consult a doctor if there is a suspicion of a disease. Sarcoidosis is treated by different specialists depending on the type and severity of the symptoms. For example, sarcoidosis of the lungs must be treated by a pulmonologist, while an infestation of the heart must be treated by a cardiologist.
Complications
Sarcoidosis can cause various complications and long-term problems. In the later stages, advanced lung damage leads to chronic pain, coughing, and bleeding, which in turn can result in further complications. The high fever poses a risk of dehydration, overheating and impaired consciousness. The joint problems increase the risk of accidents and also increase the risk of rheumatic diseases.
Untreated or poorly cured sarcoid can always come back. Eventually, it develops into chronic sarcoidosis, which can affect the heart, kidneys, liver, and other organs in addition to the lungs. The brain can also become diseased, resulting in nerve paralysis or encephalitis. If the joints are involved, sarcoidosis can cause inflammation of the joint capsule skin with tendonitis.
In individual cases, the lung tissue is so severely damaged that the organism no longer receives enough oxygen. Those affected then have to seek a lung transplant. Early treatment effectively prevents a severe course with sometimes life-threatening complications.
diagnosis and treatment
The definitive diagnosis is determined by specific blood tests , a tuberculin test, and X-rays. Mixed pictures with other autoimmune diseases such as Löfgren’s syndrome, Raynaud’s disease or lupus erythematosus have also been described. These multiple diseases are particularly difficult to treat.
Involvement of the brain and internal organs and sarcoidosis of the skin are also difficult to treat. The affected patient must be treated long-term with cortisone. Cortisone is a hormone that the human body also produces itself in the adrenal cortex. Above all, it is used when the physician has to suppress the patient’s autoimmune defenses.
Cortisone also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, but it has massive disadvantages. If it is used long-term, severe side effects and changes in the body occur. Cortisone must therefore always be used in a targeted manner and may only be prescribed for as long as absolutely necessary.
The end of treatment is “tapering”, which means that the dose is reduced more and more. Antimalarials and anti-inflammatory drugs for rheumatic complaints may also be used.
Prevention
Preventing sarcoidosis will be relatively difficult until one knows for sure what causes the condition.Whether living in industrial areas promotes the development of sarcoidosis cannot be conclusively proven either.
However , a healthy diet and not drinking alcohol always help to reduce harmful factors to the unavoidable minimum.
Medicines of any kind should only be taken in consultation with the doctor treating you.
Stays in the fresh air and sporting activities strengthen the body and thus the immune system . In case of suspicion, the doctor must be consulted.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.