Causes and risk factors:
The cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown. It has been suggested that sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disorder. Familial inheritance and genetic factors play a role in causation. Several infections viral and bacterial have been found responsible for the affection. (e.g.: retrovirus, herpex simplex virus infection, Chlamydia, mycolplasma infection etc) Environmental or occupational exposure to beryllium, aluminum or clay soil is other causation.
Clinical presentations:
As sarcoidosis affects many organs, symptoms are seen as per the organ involved are seen. Many patients are asymptomatic. Cough, breathlessness or shortness of breath are seen when lungs are affected. Some come up with complaints of fever, fatigue, weakness, and anorexia and weight loss. Lymph nodes become enlarge. Inflammation of the fat cells result in appearance of red rash on the skin (erythema nodosum).Involvement of the bone and joints can lead to pain in joints and bone.Lofgren’s syndrome (comprising of bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy, pain in ankle joint, erythema nodosum and other generalized symptoms) and Hererfordts(uveitis, parotid gland enlargement, facial palsy and fever) are the characteristic presentations of sarcoidoisis. Involvement of lungs, skin and eyes are common.Sarcoidosis can lead to various complications like cor pulmonale, pneumothorax, hypertension, bronchiectasis etc.
Diagnosis and investigations:
Diagnosis can be done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the investigations carried out by the doctor. Routine blood test, Chest X-ray, Bronchoscopy, pulmonary function test and high resolution computed tomography(HSRTC) help in confirming the diagnosis. To evaluate the involvement of the other organs investigations likeECG, tuberculin skin test, Biopsy of skin, Urine analysis and serum chemistry along with ophthalmic examinations is advised.
Treatment:
Initiation of treatment is not necessary in all cases. In some cases the condition resolves on its own, while those presenting with acute affection and skin complaints are managed by medications like NSAID and corticosteroids. Topical steroids are used in cases of uveitis.In rare cases single lung transplantation is advised.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating sciatic pain. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating pain. Yoga exercises and pranayam are really found to be effective.
Recent update:
Currently researches are going on for studying antibiotics as a possible treatment for sarcoidosis that affects the skin.
