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Don't know much about Sarcoidosis?
Some of the most frequently asked questions about this poorly understood
disease are listed below, along with their answers.
Since our mission is to share what we have learned with others.
You may contact the Foundation with additional questions at:
11428 East Artesia Blvd, Suite #10
Artesia, CA 90701
562-809-8500
562-809-8182 Fax |
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| You probably have other questions too, that we didn't anticipate
here. Our mission is to share what we have learned with others. Questions
are always welcomed at all of our functions. |
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- What is Sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is a form of inflammation in which lymphocytes, a
type of blood cell, become overactive. These overactive lymphocytes
release chemical substances which attract other inflammatory cells
and form granulomas, (a collection of inflammatory cells) in various
parts of the body. Although sarcoidosis is a multisystem disorder,
it manifests in the lungs 90% of the time, making it primarily
a lung disease.
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- What does the name Sarcoidosis mean?
The name comes from the Greek word Sarko, meaning "flesh".
The "oid" is also from Greek, and means "like".
So, Sarcoidosis means flesh-like or fleshy, referring to the small
skin tumors that can develop. It is pronounced: SAR-COY-DOE-SIS.
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- Who gets Sarcoidosis?
Anyone can get sarcoidosis. The disease occurs throughout the
wolrd. Although it is more frequent in some parts of the world
and less common in others, no race, sex or age group is excluded
from the disease.
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- Why do we get Sarcoidosis?
We do not know why some people get sarcoidosis and others do not.
The best that can be said about sarcoidosis at our present stage
of knowledge is that when a susceptible host meets an agent which
enters the body, most likely by inhalation, sarcoidos results.
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- What organs are affected by Sarcoidosis?
Lungs: Shortness of breath, cough, chest pain and tightness
are the common complaints of patients with sarcoidosis of the
lungs. Severe scarring (fibrosis) can cause respiratory failure.
Eyes: Burning, itchy, red, light-sensitive eyes are the
usual symptoms. If sarcoidosis of the eyes is not recognized and
properly treated, blindness may occur.
Skin: Reddish-blue patches, rash, nodules and small growth
are features of skin sarcoidosis. These are neither itchy or painful.
Lymph Glands: Often there are no symptoms to this form
of sarcoidosis, or at the most, swollen glands occur.
Bones and Joints: Arthritic-like joint pain is usually
the only symptom and often there may be none. Unlike some forms
of arthritis, bone and joint sarcoidosis does not cause crippling
of any kind.
Heart: Irregular heart rhythm is the major symptom, but
it is possible to be symptom free. When extensive scarring of
the heart muscle occurs, sudden death can result.
Nervous System: Tingling, numbness, facial paralysis usually
on one side side only, are common symptoms. A sudden onset of
facial paralysis is temporary and the patient recovers full use
of facial muscles over a period of time. Also, seizures, paralysis
of limbs, difficulty in swallowing, dizzyness and vertigo are
symptoms of sarcoidosis.
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- Is there are cure?
None is known as present, although a number of treatments exist
which can slow the progress of the disease, ameliorate symptoms
or reduce the impact of the disease. Some patients experience
remission of the disease without any treatment.
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