Sarcoidosis Treatment in Riverside, CA

Overview of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes swelling, or inflammation, in the body. No one knows what causes it. It can affect many organs. Its main sign is granulomas. These are tiny clumps of immune cells that form inside the tissues it affects.

Understanding Sarcoidosis

It most often affects the lungs and the lymph nodes in the chest. But it can also affect the eyes, skin, joints, heart, kidneys, nerves and other organs. Many people have no symptoms. They find out by chance from a chest X-ray. In many people, the disease calms down on its own. In others, it lasts longer and needs treatment. Because it can affect several organs, a team often shares the care. The team may include a rheumatologist, a lung doctor and other specialists.

Who Gets Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis can start at any age. It most often starts in adults between 20 and 60. In the United States, it is more common in African Americans than in White Americans. It is most common in African American women. Experts think genes play a part. So may things in the world around us, such as some dusts and chemicals.

Symptoms of Sarcoidosis

• A dry cough that does not go away, shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Tiredness, fever or weight loss.
• Red, sore bumps on the shins, or other skin rashes.
• Red, painful eyes or blurry vision.
• Joint pain and swelling, often in the ankles.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Less often, an uneven heartbeat, nerve problems or kidney problems.

Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

Doctors first rule out other causes, such as infections. Then they put the pieces together: your symptoms, your scans and, most of the time, a biopsy. A biopsy is a tiny piece of tissue checked under a microscope. With sarcoidosis, it shows granulomas. Common tests include:

• A chest X-ray or CT scan.
• Breathing tests.
• Blood and urine tests, including calcium levels.
• An eye exam.
• An EKG to check the heart.

Treatment of Sarcoidosis

Not everyone with sarcoidosis needs treatment. Some people have no symptoms. Others have a mild form that is not getting worse. These people are often watched with regular checkups, scans and breathing tests. Treatment is needed when symptoms are hard to live with or an organ is at risk. It usually starts with corticosteroids, which calm the swelling. People who need longer treatment may take other medicines that calm the immune system.

Living With Sarcoidosis

• Go to your follow-up visits and eye exams.
• Do not smoke. Stay away from dusty air and air with chemicals in it.
• Tell your doctor about new symptoms. This is most important for a racing or pounding heart, fainting or changes in your vision.