Sarcoidosis: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment (1)

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Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory illness that
can affect any area of the body. This condition
triggers formation of small clumps of
inflammatory cells, called granulomas in organs
like the lungs, skin, and lymph nodes. These
inflammatory cells can lead to various symptoms,
from breathing problems to skin issues and more
serious complications. What Makes Sarcoidosis a
Serious Condition? In the majority of cases (up
to 90), sarcoidosis affects the lungs, causing
permanent scarring, which makes it difficult to
breathe. Sarcoidosis can also affect the eyes,
leading to cataracts, glaucoma, and even
permanent loss of vision. When sarcoidosis
impacts the nervous system, it may cause facial
paralysis, weakness, numbness, or seizures. If it
affects the kidneys, it can reduce kidney
function and may even cause kidney stones. It can
also affect the skin, liver, spleen, and lymph
nodes, causing various abnormalities.
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Sarcoidosis can also cause inflammation of the
heart muscle, leading to heart rhythm problems,
heart failure, or even sudden death. In short
Sarcoidosis is a serious condition that can cause
severe complications even causing death in some
cases. Because it can strike anyone at any time
and doesnt have an exact cause, everyone needs
to improve their awareness about this condition
to take the right course of action at the
earliest. In this blog, with inputs from leading
lung surgeon Sarcoidosis specialist in
Hyderabad, Dr. Alla Gopala Krishna Gokhale, we
help you understand the causes, symptoms, and
treatment options to help you take the right
course of action. Read on
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• Causes of Sarcoidosis
• The exact causes of sarcoidosis are still under
  investigation, but several factors are believed
  to contribute to its development
• Genetic Factors A family history of sarcoidosis
  or other autoimmune diseases can increase the
  risk.
• Immune System Response An overactive immune
  response may lead to the formation of granulomas.
• Environmental Triggers Exposure to certain dust,
  chemicals, or infectious agents can potentially
  trigger sarcoidosis in susceptible individuals.

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• Symptoms of Sarcoidosis
• Each damaged organ has a different set of
  symptoms associated with sarcoidosis. Some people
  may have no symptoms, while others may experience
  severe and disabling symptoms.
• Common symptoms include
• Lymph Glands Swollen lymph nodes, particularly
  in the chest, neck, armpits, and groin.
• Eye Symptoms Blurred vision, eye pain, severe
  redness, and light sensitivity.
• General Symptoms Fatigue, fever, weight loss,
  night sweats.

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• 4. Skin Problems Rash, lesions,
  discoloration.
• 5. Respiratory Issues Persistent cough,
  shortness of breath, and chest pain are prevalent
  symptoms when sarcoidosis affects the lungs.
• Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis
• Diagnosing sarcoidosis can be challenging due to
  its diverse symptoms and similarities with other
  diseases. A combination of medical history,
  physical examinations, and diagnostic tests is
  used, including
• Chest X-rays and CT Scans To identify lung
  involvement and granulomas.

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• Pulmonary Function Tests To assess lung capacity
  and function.
• Biopsy Taking a tissue sample from the affected
  organ to confirm the presence of granulomas.
• Blood Tests To check for signs of inflammation
  and organ function.
• Sarcoidosis Treatment
• While there is no cure for sarcoidosis, various
  treatments can manage symptoms and improve
  quality of life. The treatment plan depends on
  the severity of the disease and the organs
  affected

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• Medications
• Corticosteroids These anti-inflammatory drugs
  are the primary treatment for reducing granuloma
  formation.
• Immunosuppressive Agents Medications like
  methotrexate and azathioprine can help control
  the immune response.
• Anti-malarial Drugs Hydroxychloroquine may be
  effective for skin and joint symptoms.

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• 2. Advanced Treatments
• Organ Transplant In severe cases where organ
  damage is extensive, a transplant may be
  necessary. For those with significant lung
  involvement.
• Sarcoidosis Treatment in Hyderabad
• Are you experiencing symptoms of Sarcoidosis?
  Dont wait until your condition worsens. Early
  diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Dr. Alla
  Gopala Krishna Gokhale, a renowned Sarcoidosis
  specialist and lung transplant surgeon at Apollo
  Hospitals in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, offers
  expert care. Known for his advanced medical
  facilities and compassionate approach, Dr.
  Gokhale is dedicated to improving the lives of
  patients with Sarcoidosis.

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