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 is sarcoidosis? what are the conditions of sarcoidosis, what are the causes and can people recover without any treatment?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis : Sarcoidosis is an uncommon disease whose hallmark is the formation of tissue nodules known as granulomas.  Ordinarily, granulomas form when the immune system is confronted with microorganisms that are very difficult to kill.  White blood cells pile on the invaders and try to wall them off from the rest of the body.

In sarcoidosis, the granulomas have nothing at their centers.  Despite the resemblance to certain infections, sarcoidosis is not contagious, and no infectious agent has ever been proven to cause the disease.  The cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown.

Symptoms of sarcoidosis depend upon the extent and location of the granulomas.  The lungs are the most common site for sarcoidosis, and may lead to cough, or shortness of breath.  However, sarcoidosis is often found when a chest x-ray is done for an unrelated reason.  Involvement of the skin, liver, and eye, and brain are not unusual, and may present as rashes, liver disease, eye inflammation, seizures, or mental changes.  Heart and kidney failure can also occur.  The disease can be very difficult to diagnose, as it can resemble many other medical conditions, including tuberculosis, leprosy, certain fungal infections, and multiple sclerosis.

Sarcoidosis frequently stabilizes or disappears without any treatment, usually within 2-5 years.  However, some people will have persistent or aggressive disease, and may require intense suppression of the immune system to prevent life-threatening complications.

Question 3

what is respiratory sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoid of the lung!: Pulmonary sarcoidosis, frequently mild, but potentially severe, is sometimes called respiratory sarcoid, but this is an archaic term. Diagnoses by clinical hx, chest x-rays, and sometimes needing a biopsy. You should be under the care of someone in rheumatology or pulmonology. Sarcoid is an auto immune disease which caues characteristic granulomata!

Question 4

what is your experience with sarcoidosis recovery?

Accepted Answer

Quite variable: In caucasions most people recover with or without treatment (90%). In blacks and asians the disease tends to be more severe and resistant to treatment. Most patients do well with steroids; some require more immunosuppressive therapy which has more risk. Some require no treatment at all. As a specialist i tend to see the worst patients which sometimes colors my expectations.

Question 5

could you tell me what happens if sarcoidosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

40 % gamble: You probably heard that around 60% of sarcoid cases will resolve without  treatment.
There are many forms of sarcoid, some very serious.  Work with a medical professional in making your decision.

Question 6

is there always a cause for iritis? been to rheumatologist and all seems ok (but an elevated hs crp). x rays are ok.what is the test for sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Not always: Usually we don't find a cause.  Chest xray and blood tests (serum lysozyme and ace level) are the tests for sarcoidosis.

Question 7

how can we treat sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis: How sarcoidosis is treated depends on organs involved and extent of involvement. For limited skin involvement, intralesional kenalog (triamcinolone) injections are helpful. For extensive skin & other organ involvement, several systemic medications can be used, such as plaquenil, methotrexate, tnf Alpha inhibitors, such as Enbrel or humira. For severe lung or eye disease, Prednisone to reduce inflammation quickly.

Question 8

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 9

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 10

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.

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What is sarcoidosis

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What is sarcoidosis?

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What is sarcoidosis? what are the conditions of sarcoidosis, what are the causes and can people recover without any treatment?

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What is respiratory sarcoidosis?

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What is your experience with sarcoidosis recovery?

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Could you tell me what happens if sarcoidosis is left untreated?

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Is there always a cause for iritis? been to rheumatologist and all seems ok (but an elevated hs crp). x rays are ok.what is the test for sarcoidosis?

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How can we treat sarcoidosis?

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What are the tests for sarcoidosis?

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How do you end up with sarcoidosis?

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Is exercise good for my sarcoidosis?

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