Question 1

what is sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis: Dear jbennett, 
sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown etiology which can affect almost any part of a patient's body.  It is known for the granulomas it produces--non-caseating--which can form commonly in the lungs.  About 50% of the patients are african or hispanic origin, there is also a large % from northern europe. It has been found that a patient's immune response creates the granulomas.  ..

Question 2

what are the tests for sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

See below: Tests many times are directed at the symptoms or physical findings. There is a blood test called an ace level which is positive in 2/3 of patients with sarcoid. Chest xray may show abnormalities. Biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes or other organ biopsy such as the lungs may be needed. Some patients will have anemia, increased inflammation markers such as a sed rate or crp.

Question 3

how do you end up with sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Genes + environment: Not known for certain why some people get sarcoid.  We know certain groups (scandinavians) and african americans are at increased risk.  Maybe combination of genetics + some viral infection or environmental exposure.    Altered immune function or response to germ or environment initiates it.

Question 4

is exercise good for my sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Probably yes: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease with unknown cause some of time the lungs are affected negatively a lung specialist would evaluate you and determine the extent of your lung involvement. Also, in some rare cases there can be heart involvement-perhaps irregular heart beats.A cardiologist would need to evaluate you in that case if you are affected by aches, pains and given the o-k--exercise helps.

Question 5

what are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Usually none.: Most patients have no symptoms and it is found by accident. If symptoms occur they can be cough, shortness of breath, swelling and pain in one or more joints, red bumps on the shins, fatigue, swelling of the salivary glands or other lymph nodes. Fever and eye redness or pain are other less common symptoms. There are racial differences as well; african american and asians have worse symptoms.

Question 6

what arre the symptoms of sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Variable: They can range from being asymptomatic to cough, bloody cough, headache, GI problems, visual problems, arthritis, the list goe on.

Question 7

can my family get sarcoidosis from me?

Accepted Answer

No: This is not a communicable disease.

Question 8

when is sarcoidosis considered serious?

Accepted Answer

It can be!: Most cases are mild and cause no serious illness, but the disease can be severe, and even life threatening. The tnf-a inhibitors are new treatments on the horizon and seem to remit previously severe cases!

Question 9

how do you know if you have sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Many ways: Sarcoidosis can be diagnosed by abnormal chest x-ray, abnormal blood test called angiotensin  converting enzyme  level and finally by tissue biopsy, .

Question 10

a relative has sarcoidosis. how can i help?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis help: Wow!  you are so kind.  Many patients with sarcoidosis have fatigue, 
muscle pain, joint pain, sweats, skin problems, possible breathing
problems, sinus problems, irregular heart beats.  Some patients don't have any symptoms!  but if your relative has some of the many
problems with sarcoid; be supportive, actively listen, help with children, housework, getting to medical appts, --just ask.

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Doctor answers about:

Sarcoidosis

A member asked:

What is sarcoidosis?

A member asked:

What are the tests for sarcoidosis?

A member asked:

How do you end up with sarcoidosis?

A member asked:

Is exercise good for my sarcoidosis?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?

A member asked:

What arre the symptoms of sarcoidosis?

A member asked:

Can my family get sarcoidosis from me?

A member asked:

When is sarcoidosis considered serious?

A member asked:

How do you know if you have sarcoidosis?

A member asked:

A relative has sarcoidosis. how can i help?

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