Brochure
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a complex disease. It is a disease for which the origin and cure are unknown. Its symptoms vary, and almost any organ tissue of the body can be affected. It most often occurs in the lungs, eyes and skin.
A common sign of the disease is inflammation, which occurs in the form of small lumps called granulomas. These granulomas appear in the affected organ and often interfere with its normal functioning; and can cause permanent organ damage.
For many, the disease can suddenly appear and then disappear. These short term cases usually
last a few months. For others, sarcoidosis can be more serious. It develops gradually and, in this
chronic state, can go on to produce symptoms that can last a lifetime.
Diagnosis
The symptoms of sarcoidosis are very similar to other disease; therefore diagnosis is often difficult. For some patients a correct diagnosis can take months, or even years.
The diagnosis of cardiac and ocular sarcoidosis may be difficult. The symptoms may ve either subtle or undetected by the patient. A thorough eye exam by an ophthalmologist and an electrocardiogram may be required as part of a baseline evaluation. The progression of the disease is likewise often hard to monitor. In addition to symptoms, tests often used include x-rays, high resolution CT scan, gallium scan and pulmonary function tests.
Most patients have normal chest x-rays after two years of the initial diagnosis. Symptoms may not always correlate with the progression. Often patients have difficulty relaying this information to their health care providers.
The Sarcoidosis Research Institute provides a pivotal role in bringing patients together to discuss
these issues as well as educating patients and health care providers in the fine details of this
unusual disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of sarcoidosis are varied. With lung involvement, symptoms often include a dry cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Eye involvement can cause swelling, dry or red eyes; glaucoma or scar formation which can result in loss of vision. Skin involvement can result in various skin conditions such as rashes, small growths, and reddish-blue patches.
Sarcoidosis can also cause enlargement of the lymph glands, liver and spleen. There may be inflammation of the muscles, bones of the hands or feet, joints and the heart. Any part of the body can also be affected.
It is important to note that when sarcoidosis is involved for a long period of time, damage to the
affected organs can be severe and permanent.
Treatments
With proper diagnosis and treatment, there may be relief from the symptoms of sarcoidosis. While all of the causes of sarcoidosis have not been discovered, corticosteroids are commonly used drugs.
Steroids are a more common prescription for sarcoidosis; however, steroids have a wide variety of adverse side effects which should be thoroughly discussed with the attending physician. While steroids do suppress the inflammation, they may also cause several side effects including: fluid retention, potassium loss, hypertension, congestive heart failure, muscle weakness, loss of muscle mass, osteoporosis, peptic ulcers, impaired wound healing, weight gain, headaches, dizziness, suppression of growth in children, latent diabetes, cataracts, glaucoma, easy bruising, depression, mood swings and seizures. The attending physician may also prescribe chloroquine, azathioprine, methotrexate, or other less commonly used drugs. All realized and potential side effects should be discussed with your physician.
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The Sarcoidosis Research Institute is a national, non-profit, tax-exempt organization. The mission of the Sarcoidosis Research Institute is to provide a formal structure and network which encompasses the following:
Patient Services: SRI provides information to and hosts patient forums for patients and their families.
Public Education: SRI strives to increase public awareness of sarcoidosis.
Professional Education: SRI channels appropriate information to the medical community about sarcoidosis.
All donations are tax deductible. For more information, please fill out the attachment card.
SRI
Sarcoidosis Research Institute
3475 Central Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111
901 774 7294; Fax 766 6951
Send the following information and a check to the address above.
Please send:
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