Medical Conditions in focus
Sarcoidosis – an inflammatory disease of the organs
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect various organs in the body, but most commonly the lungs. It leads to the formation of small, inflammatory nodules, known as granulomas, which can damage the affected tissue. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but it is suspected that an autoimmune reaction or an overreaction of the immune system to environmental factors plays a role.
Symptoms
The symptoms vary depending on which organs are affected. In pulmonary sarcoidosis, the most common symptoms are persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain. Other organs such as the skin, eyes, liver and lymph nodes can also be affected. Some patients also notice non-specific symptoms such as fever, night sweats and weight loss.
Assessment and Diagnosis
A thorough investigation is necessary to diagnose sarcoidosis. In addition to the clinic and medical history, various diagnostic procedures are used, such as X-rays or computerised tomography (CT) of the lungs. Further tests, such as lung function tests, blood tests and possibly a lymph node biopsy, may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease.
Treatment
The treatment of sarcoidosis depends on the severity of the disease and the organs affected. In many patients, sarcoidosis heals without treatment, especially in milder cases. In advanced or symptomatic cases, anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids are used to control the inflammation and alleviate the symptoms.
In rare cases in which sarcoidosis leads to serious organ damage, immunotherapy or, in particularly severe cases, organ transplantation may be necessary.