What Is Sarcoidosis

The immune system is our defense mechanism of our body. It does what it can to make sure that it destroys anything harmful that could be hurting our bodies. They protect the different organs of the body by sending out special cells when they think they are under attack from a harmful substance.

When these cells reach their destination they will release chemicals that will bring in other cells to help destroy the substance that is causing the damage. While this is going on the area that is being repaired will become inflamed. But once that substance has been taken care of the cells and the inflammation will disappear at once.

People who have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis will have problems because the inflammation will not disappear. During this medical condition the cells from the immune system will group together and form granulomas that will hide out in certain vital organs in the body.

Sarcoidosis can harm any part of a person’s body – but it will usually begin in the skin, lungs, and the lymph nodes that are contained within the chest. It may also affect the liver and the eyes. In more severe cases it will cause problems with the heart and the brain creating serious problems.

When a large group of granulomas gather within a certain organ it will affect the way that the organ performs and create signs and symptoms that will alert the patient to what it happening. It is hard to list the symptoms because they will vary depending on what organ is under attack at the time. It is possible for some people with this medical condition to not experience any symptoms at all while other may have mild to severe symptoms.

The most common sign of sarcoidosis is referred to as Lofgren’s syndrome. This syndrome will cause arthritis, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and erytheme nodosum. Erytheme nodosum is skin rash that will appear on the ankles and shins. On the rash will appear small purple bumps.

Treatment for sarcoidosis will depend on the organs that are being affected at the time. Your physician will run a variety of tests to determine what is being attacked and may prescribe certain treatments and medicines to help treat the medical condition. Some people with sarcoidosis do not need any treatment at all. These patients will usually have little to no symptoms or very mild cases.