Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

is there a cure for sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis: There is no known cure for sarcoid. Historically, steroids have had some use, some newer drugs like Methotrexate and others have helped.  There are some integrative methods but there has been limited success.  Sometimes, after a patient has active sarcoid for a few years they will go into remisssion. A few patients have a chronic form which does not improve & needs intensive medical treatment.

Question 5

does sarcoidosis always have nodules?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease. It most commonly affects lungs. In the lungs it usually causes enlargement of lymph glands on both sides.

Question 6

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 7

what causes such fatigue in sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis-associated fatigue is globally recognised as a disabling symptom. Fatigue has been reported in up to 50-70% of sarcoidosis patients, causing impaired quality of life. The aetiology of this troublesome problem remains elusive and is usually multifactorial. Fatigue can be a consequence of treatment itself, including as a complication of corticosteroid therapy.

Question 8

what are the treatments for  sarcoidosis?

Accepted Answer

There are many.: Old standby was prednisone.  Newer agents include Humira and enbrel, (etanercept) in addition to cyclosporine, azothioprine, and others.

Question 9

how does sarcoidosis differ from prolactinoma?

Accepted Answer

Almost not: Sarcoidosis is a systemic problem in which the body forms inflammatory granules in a variety of organs. A prolactinoma is a tumor leading to excess production of the hormone prolactin.  A few conditions have both problems, but it's rather rare.

Question 10

does sarcoidosis  make sugar go up in diabetics ?

Accepted Answer

No, but steroids do: Sarcoidosis probably does not have much effect on blood sugar by itself, unless it is affecting the pancreas directly, which is very rare.  However, steroids such as Prednisone are the most commonly used medications to treat sarcoidosis, and can most certainly cause elevated blood sugar.

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