Sarcoidosis is a disease that can lead to involvement in many organs, especially the lungs. It is more common in women than in men and is most common between the ages of 20-40.
What is Sarcoidosis?
The age range between 50-60 years is the second most common time period for the involvement in women. Sarcoidosis is often discovered incidentally, thanks to a chest x-ray taken for another reason. The vast majority of patients are non-smokers. Its cause is unknown.
Although sarcoidosis has been known for more than 100 years, its exact cause is unknown. It is being investigated that the disease may be caused by a reaction of the immune system to the tuberculosis microbe or other bacteria and viruses, or to some inorganic dust. A disease picture very similar to sarcoidosis is seen in aircraft and weapon industry workers working with beryllium mine. It can start suddenly or show an insidious course.
Sarcoidosis can affect any organ in the body, the most affected organ is the lungs. Deterioration of the lung tissue and enlargement of the lymph nodes are detected. The main symptoms are dry cough, chest pain and progressive shortness of breath. The typical cutaneous manifestation of sarcoidosis is purplish patches around the nose, cheeks, and lips. In some patients, red, bright, painful swellings “erythema nodosum” occur on the front of the legs; These patients also have fever and joint pain. Enlargement of the lymph nodes is a common finding, and enlargement of the spleen may also be seen.
These are primarily suggestive of diseases such as lymphoma, cancer, and tuberculosis. Sarcoidosis can also affect the eye, causing uveitis, which can cause blurred vision, tearing, and sensitivity to light. This may be the first sign of the disease.
How is the Diagnosis and Treatment?
Chest X-ray and tomography are very important in the diagnosis of the disease. Bronchoscopy or lymph node biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis.
In some patients, biopsy can also be performed from the lungs or other organs. Calcium and ACE in the blood Enzyme elevation or increased urinary calcium excretion are also findings specific to sarcoidosis. The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, and there is no definite cure. In cases where disease activity has increased, cortisone is administered. The duration of treatment is 12 months by gradually decreasing the cortisone dose. Treatment is decided according to complaints such as cough and shortness of breath. In cases that do not respond to cortisone or when it is not possible to use it, other immunosuppressant drugs may also be beneficial. Sarcoidosis basically follows three types of course.
In 60% of the patients, the disease heals spontaneously without treatment, in 30% of them it is controlled with cortisone treatment and often does not recur. In 10% of the patients, it shows a progressive course despite cortisone treatment.
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