According to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR), "Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DOE-SIS) is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ in the body." The FSR also stated, ʺThe classic feature of sarcoidosis is the formation of granulomas, microscopic clumps of inflammatory cells that group together (and look like granules, hence the name).ʺ
The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. However, some research points to a possible virus, bacteria, or chemicals activating the disease. Also, your genetic disposition may play a role.
The disease is rarely fatal. However, more than one-third of those diagnosed with sarcoidosis may develop some form of organ damage.
The FRS website provided the following factoids about sarcoidosis:
• Sarcoidosis is common and affects people worldwide
• Sarcoidosis affects people of any age, race and gender
• Sarcoidosis is most common among adults between the ages of 20 and 40
• Sarcoidosis is most common in African-Americans and those of European (especially Scandinavian) descent
• Two percent of African-Americans may develop the disease during their lifetime
• Most studies suggest women have a higher rate of sarcoidosis
Symptoms may also vary according to race, for example:
• African Americans may have sarcoidosis of the eyes (chronic uveitis)
• Northern Europeans may be prone to painful skin lumps
• Japanese may have sarcoidosis of the heart and eyes
Symptoms of sarcoidosis will vary according to the organ which is affected by the disease. Some symptoms may include:
• The lungs are affected in more than 90 percent of sarcoidosis patients
• More than 90 percent have enlarged lymph nodes
• 25 percent of patients will have skin involvement
• 50 to 80 percent of patients will have granulomas in their liver
• Five to 13 percent of patients have neurologic disease
• One-third of patients will have joint pain
• One-third of patients will have malaise
• 25 percent will have eye issues
• 5 percent will haves sinus issues
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute provided the following information about sarcoidosis and remission:
• More than half of the people will have remission within 3 years of diagnosis
• Two-thirds of people will have remission within 10 years of diagnosis
• People who have Lofgren's syndrome usually have remission
• In less than five percent of sarcoidosis patients, relapse may occur one or more years after remission
Treatment of sarcoidosis will vary. Your doctor will prescribe medication(s) depending on which organs are affected. You may also be prescribed a topical treatment. Also, some people may not even need treatment.
References:
What Is Sarcoidosis? - NHLBI, NIH. NIH Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Retrieved November 2, 2011, from
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sarc
FSR - Sarcoidosis Disease Facts & Statistics. Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research. Retrieved November 2, 2011, from http://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/sarcoidosis/diseasefacts.htm
Sarcoidosis - PubMed Health. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved November 2, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001140
Reviewed November 2, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith