DEAR DR. GOTT:
My son was just recently diagnosed with sarcoidosis and is being treated with prednisone. I understand that this is becoming more common in recent years and wondered if you have any information about it.
DEAR READER:
Sarcoidosis occurs when inflammation causes tiny lumps of cells (granulomas). The granulomas can continue to grow and clump together to form larger lumps or groups of lumps. If many form in an organ, function is affected.
Sarcoidosis can occur in nearly any part of the body but most often affects the lungs and/or lymph nodes. Other commonly affected areas are the skin, eyes and liver. Very rarely, sarcoidosis can be found in the thyroid gland, kidneys, reproductive organs and breasts. More than one organ is involved in nearly all cases.
Symptoms vary according to what organ is affected. Besides organ specific symptoms some general ones include fever, night sweats, uneasiness, malaise, fatigue, sleep problems and loss of appetite or weight.
Diagnosis is usually suspected during a thorough medical history and physical. If the doctor suspects sarcoidosis, he or she may choose to order testing. There is no diagnostic test for sarcoidosis so all testing must be ordered according the area of the body the doctor suspects is affected.
Treatment will vary according the organ or organs affected, but most cases can be treated with prednisone. If symptoms worsen or the disease progresses, other options are available. If the diagnosis were made during testing for another illness and symptoms were not present, most cases do not need treatment and recovery takes place in time. However, some organs must be treated, regardless of symptoms or a lack of them.
Your son is on appropriate medication and should be followed up regularly by his doctor.
For others interested in learning more about sarcoidosis, I recommend the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s sarcoidosis webpage. It can be found at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/sarc/sarc_all.html.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Pulmonary Disease”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
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