 Sarcoidosis
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Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that results in granulomas, which are small, rounded growths consisting of blood vessels, cells and connective tissue. These granulomas invade different parts of the body, including the skin, bones, joints, and lungs. Sarcoidosis varies widely from person to person. Some individuals may experience the disease for several months, while others are affected for years - even a lifetime.
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The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not known. As with many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, it often seems to be triggered by a bacterial or viral infection.
In some cases, sarcoidosis is considered an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body's usual system of organs and cells designed to attack outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses, begins to attack the body's healthy tissues. Although sarcoidosis is not a contagious disease, in some cases it tends to occur within families. Researchers are continuing to study the role that genes inherited from the mother and father play in increasing the chances of developing autoimmune disorders.
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Indications that your child has sarcoidosis may vary. Some have mild or no symptoms. For others, symptoms include:
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- red patches on the skin
- dry cough, difficulty breathing or other lung problems
- problems with vision
- abdominal pain
- joint pain, swelling and inflammation
- muscle soreness
- fever
- fatigue
- weight loss
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Symptoms of sarcoidosis may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, your child's physician will obtain a complete prenatal and birth history and ask if your child has had any recent colds or other infections.
Because sarcoidosis may affect so many different parts of the body, and may have such varying manifestations in different people, diagnosing sarcoidosis is typically difficult and delayed. The first step is considering sarcoidosis as a possible cause of difficult-to-explain symptoms. The diagnosis is usually confirmed through a combination of:
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- reported symptoms
- laboratory tests - certain blood tests, for example, may help rule out other conditions that can mimic sarcoidosis
- X-rays - a diagnostic test which uses electromagnetic energy to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organ on film
- vision/eye examination
- biopsy - a small sample of areas thought to be affected by granulomas may be taken for microscopic examination to help confirm the presence of sarcoidosis
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Specific treatment for sarcoidosis will be determined by your child's physician based on:
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- your child's overall health and medical history
- extent of the condition
- your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures and therapies
- expectation for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
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Treatment may include:
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- corticosteroid medications - taken orally, these medications reduce inflammation and help control severe symptoms
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - taken orally, these medications also help control inflammation and symptoms without some of the side effects of other steroids
- other medications to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain, and to slow the progress of the disease
- immunosuppressive medications to suppress the hyperactivity of the immune system that leads to autoimmunity
- physical therapy to improve and maintain muscle and joint function
- occupational therapy to improve and maintain your child's ability to perform activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing and using a computer
- patient and family education to help you understand your child's condition and participate in your child's care and healing
- psychosocial support for the emotional, mental and social health of both child and family. Support may include one-on-one counseling, support groups, or referral to local and national resources.
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Like the symptoms and treatments, the long-term outlook for sarcoidosis is very different for each person. Talk to your child's physician for more information about your unique situation.
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While the cells involved in forming granulomas are known, the events that trigger their formation in sarcoidosis are not. These triggering and perpetuating factors are being investigated. Ultimately, the hope is that this will allow sarcoidosis to be prevented or treated more effectively in the future.
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