It is a chronic disease that occurs with the accumulation of a non-microbial inflammatory structure in various organs and tissues in the form of small nodules called granulomas. Sarcoidosis most commonly affects the lungs. For this reason, most sarcoidosis patients are followed by pulmonologists. The second most commonly affected organ is the skin. In addition, the eyes, nervous system, liver, spleen, bones and joints and heart may also be affected by the disease.
What are the causes of sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is one of the diseases of unknown cause. Studies on this subject suggest that environmental factors trigger the disease in sensitive individuals. Our country is among the regions where the disease is frequently seen.
What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?
Symptoms vary depending on the organs and tissues involved. Since it mostly affects the lungs, shortness of breath, dry cough, chest pain or chest discomfort are among the common symptoms. Skin involvement manifests itself in the form of rashes on the skin and round lumps under the skin. Sometimes, it may start suddenly in the form of round, painful, red rashes on the front of the legs.
Other symptoms: redness in the eyes, watering and burning sensation, bone and joint pain, weakness, fatigue, heartbeat disorders in different organs. and symptoms related to systems may occur.
How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?
For diagnosis, chest radiography and computed tomography, some blood tests, and respiratory function tests are performed. Definitive diagnosis can be made by tissue biopsy taken from the involved organs. Taking a biopsy from the lung is possible through bronchoscopy.
When sarcoidosis is diagnosed, a series of tests and consultations must be performed to understand which organs and tissues the disease affects. The patient must be evaluated individually by dermatology, ophthalmology, neurology and cardiology specialists. Calcium levels in blood and urine should be checked, and lung and kidney functions should be evaluated at every visit.
Treatment
It is determined according to the stage of the disease, the organs and tissues involved, and blood tests. In the early stages and only in the presence of lung involvement It is common for stasis to resolve spontaneously, so it can be followed without treatment. In cases where skin and eye involvement is accompanied, treatment should be arranged jointly by the relevant branch physicians and follow-up should be done together.
Sometimes, treatment may need to continue for up to 2 years. In patients who do not respond to steroids or cannot continue due to side effects, other immune system regulating drugs are used. In case of eye and skin involvement, other special treatments are applied by the relevant branch physicians. In case it affects the heart rhythm, the treatment must be arranged by the cardiologist.
What is the course of the disease?
Sarcoidosis is generally a benign disease. While it can resolve spontaneously, complete recovery can also occur with treatment. Rarely, it can cause serious life-threatening conditions in affected organs and tissues.
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