SARCOIDOSIS

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease which can occur in any part of the body. Lungs, skin, or lymph nodes are most commonly affected it, but the disease can also affect eyes, liver, heart, brain or any organ.

The signs and symptoms vary as per the organ involved. In case of lungs, its wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. In case of lymph nodes, arthritis, fever and rashes are common symptoms.

The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown.Diagnosis involves chest X-rays, biopsy, bronchoscopy, pulmonary function tests and high resolution CT scans.

Many cases are mild and resolve without any treatment within a few years. But in cases when the symptoms are persistent and distressing then use of anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids may provide relief.

The risk of death from sarcoidosis is low and the chances of the disease returning in someone who has had it previously is less than than five percent.