Sarcoidosis Awareness: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages, Treatment

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DOH-SIS) is a rare systemic disease that disturbs several organs in the body causing inflammation.

Keep calm and read on if you’ve recently been diagnosed or want to learn more about this condition.

This article is intended to raise awareness on the etiology and causes, signs and symptoms, who is diagnosed, the stages, treatment: prescribed drugs, supplements and holistic herbs that may help manage this disease.

 

What Is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease that disturbs several organs in the body causing inflammation. Inflammation triggers granulomas to temporarily form or set off the development of granulomas.

The number of Americans afflicted with sarcoidosis range from 13,000 to 134,000 people. 

It is expected that 2,600 and 27,000 new American cases will be diagnosed with sarcoidosis each year.

 

Is Sarcoidosis an Autoimmune Disease?

Yes, sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, generally in the lungs, lymph glands, eyes and skin.

It begins as small, grain-like lumps of immune inflamed cells forming together, known as granulomas that can affect any organ in the body.  

 

What Organs Are Affected By Sarcoidosis?

Usually, the lungs and lymph nodes are affected by sarcoidosis.

People with sarcoidosis, have abnormal nodules or granulomas containing inflammatory tissue, which can affect almost any organ.

These abnormal masses may change the structure and the function of the compromised organs.

 

Risk Factors of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis may occur in people between the age range of 20 to 40 years old are more prone to developing this disease. 

Females are more likely afflicted by this condition.

Sarcoidosis is 10 to 17 times more prevalent in people of the following descent:

• African-American
• Scandinavian
• Irish
• German
• Puerto Rican 

  

The Etiology and Causes of Sarcoidosis

The origin of what causes sarcoidosis is unknown.

It is believed to be triggered by:

• Breathing in allergens 
• Exposure to dusty, dirty or toxic environments
• An infection
• Genetic predisposition from a close diagnosed blood relative 

 

The danger for sarcoidosis may be greater if exposured to environmental factors, that create swelling or inflammation, breathing in toxins such as insecticides, mold, mildew.

 

Is There A Cure For Sarcoidosis?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for sarcoidosis. 

 

What Are The Early Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis?

The signs of sarcoidosis can differ significantly; it depends upon which organ is involved.

 

General symptoms 

• Arthritis

• High body temperature 

• Lethargic 

• Swelling of joints, aches and pain in the knees, ankles, muscles or bones

• Weight loss

 

Chest or lung symptoms

• Dry cough

• Dyspnea, also known as shortness of breath

• Hemoptysis, also known as coughing up blood

• Enlarged lymph nodes 

• Substernal pain, discomfort behind the breast bone

 

Eye symptoms 

• Faint vision

• Dry eyes

• Red, pink eyes (conjunctivitis) 

• Stinging, burning, painful eyes

• Vision loss

 

Heart symptoms 

• Abnormal heart beat or arrhythmias increases

• Passing out or nearly passing out

• Weak heart muscle

• Trouble breathing at night

• Development of pericarditis, also known as inflammation of the heart, or heart failure

 

Nervous system symptoms

• Headache

• Alopecia

• Meningitis

• Convulsions

• Psychiatric disorders (such as, dementia, phobia, depression)

• Seizures

• Weakness and/or numbness on one side of the body or face

• Mental (brain) fog, cognitive impairment

 

Skin symptoms

• Raised, red, firm skin sores (erythema nodosum), almost always appear on the front part of the lower leg

• Scars that become raised or inflamed

• Warm reddish rashes, or bumps on the arms, buttocks or face

 

Is Sarcoidosis Contagious?

No. Sarcoidosis is not a contagious disease.

 

Siltzbach Classification 5 Stages of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

The Siltzbach classification system uses a range from 0 to 5 based on the chest radiography findings of granulomas located on the lungs and lymph nodes.

 

The stages of sarcoidosis are determined using a radiograph or chest X-ray.

The 5 stages of pulmonary sarcoidosis are:

1. Stage 0 - There is no sign of granulomas present in the lungs or lymph nodes.

2. Stage 1 - The granulomas are only present in the lymph nodes

3. Stage 2 - The granulomas are present in both the lungs and lymph nodes.

4. Stage 3 - The granulomas are only present in the lungs. 

5. Stage 4 - Scarring present of the lung tissue and permanent damage.

 

How Is Sarcoidosis Diagnosed? 

All the signs and symptoms can happen with other maladies.

Therefore, a medical doctor should evaluate your medical history and perform specific tests to diagnose sarcoidosis, which generally occurs after other lung disorders have been ruled out.

 

 

 

The main diagnostic tools to diagnose sarcoidosis are:

1. Chest X-rays. To diagnose cloudiness (pulmonary infiltrates) or inflamed lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).

2. Echocardiogram or MRI of the heart.

3. Electrocardiogram. To assess the heart.

4. HRCT scan. To provide a more comprehensive look at the lungs and lymph nodes.

5. Blood test. To detect the percentage of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood, calcium levels, and evaluate the functioning of the liver and kidney, and determine if other infections or diseases are present.

6. Eye exam.

7. Pulmonary function test. To measure how well the lungs are functioning.

8. Bronchoscopy. To evaluate the bronchi to detect any lung problems  (down the trachea to the airways of the lungs).

9. Lung biopsy.  To remove tissue sample to observe granulomas and to get material to exclude infection. 

10. Urinalysis.  To help rule out other conditions that resemble sarcoidosis.

  

Treatment of Sarcoidosis

Treatment, when it is required, is provided to decrease symptoms and to maintain the proper functioning of the affected organ(s).

Treatments usually involve two categories: maintaining a health lifestyle, and  using prescribed drugs.

1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle

 

• Eat a well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables
• Drink 2-3 Liters of water daily
• Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly
• Exercise at least 30 minutes daily
• No smoking, avoid secondhand smoke
• Avoid excessive exposure to dust, or chemicals that can damage your lungs
• Regular doctor examinations, including an opthamologist (eye doctor)
• Manage stress
• Share your condition with friends and family members, join a support group or consider cognitive therapy

 

2. Treatment with drugs

Drug treatments are utilized to diminish symptoms and decrease the swelling of the affected organs.

• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone is primarily used to help suppress inflammation.
• CAUTION: Long term use may result in diabetes, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, tuberculosis or ulcers.

• Methotrexate available in Otrexup and Rheumatrex, mycophenolate mofetil and azathioprine are used to prevent further organ damage, reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system.

• Hydroxychloroquine available in Plaquenil, is an anti-malarial drug used to treat people that have a high level of calcium in their blood and/or have skin symptoms.
• CAUTION: May be toxic to the eyes.

• Thalidomide, used to treat skin conditions and to help improve lung function.

Possible Complications Resulting From Sarcoidosis 

• Fungal lung infection

• Glaucoma, cataracts or blindness 

• Kidney stones from high calcium levels in blood or urine

• Osteoporosis and other complications of taking corticosteroids for long periods of time

• High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)

• Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, as well as groin

• Amplification of lymph nodes around the lungs

• Severe pain in the hands, legs, or bones because of the cyst formation in bones

• Enlarged liver 

 

What Can Occur When the Disease Spreads?

There are some cases where the disease seems brief and vanishes without the individual even knowing they have the disease.

However, 20-30% percent of people with sarcoidosis get permanent damage to their lungs.

 

What Is The Prognosis or Life Expectancy of Someone Living With Sarcoidosis?

The long term prognosis of someone diagnosed with sarcoidosis varies.

Many people live successful with no therapy or minimal treatment. 

In some cases, sarcoidosis may go away on its own.

It may last for several years and can deteriorate the affected organs.

The fatality rate of sarcoidosis is less than 5%. 

The leading causes of death generally occurs due to complications with the brain, heart or lung fibrosis.

The prognosis is worse for African-Americans, people with heart or nervous system complications and those with advanced lung disease.

 

Famous People Or Celebrities Diagnosed With Sarcoidosis

• King William Alexander (King of the Netherlands) 

• Van Ludwig Beethoven (Music Composer) 

• Judge Joe Brown, Jr. (Judge) 

• Downtown Julie Brown (Actress, Dancer, VJ) 

• Tisha Campbell-Martin (Actress) 

• Karen Duffy (Actress, Model, VJ) 

• Michael Clarke Duncan (Actor) 

• Daisy Fuentes (Actress) 

• Matthew Good (Musician) 

• Travis Michael Holder (Actor, Playwright) 

• Evander Holyfield (Boxer) 

• Mahalia Jackson (Singer)  

• Sean Levert (Singer) 

• Bernie Mac (Actor / Comedian) 

• Floyd Mayweather Sr. (Boxer) 

• Joseph Rago (Pulitzer Prize Political Journalist) 

• Bill Russell (NBA Player) 

• Angie Stone (Singer) 

• Reggie White (NFL Player)

Is It Safe To Get Pregnant With Sarcoidosis?

Yes, you’re capable of conceiving. However, some of the medication used to treat sarcoidosis may be harmful to the baby.

Consult with your physician if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.  

Severe sarcoidosis can decrease the possibilities of becoming pregnant, mainly for older women.

Several young women gave birth to healthy babies without the use of sarcoidosis treatment or exposure to x-rays.

Medical tests before pregnancy and immediately afterwards are crucial.

In some instances, bed rest may be required during the last trimester.

 

 

Women with sarcoidosis are at risk for the complications related to pregnancy:

• Hemorrhaging after giving birth

• Preterm delivery

• Preeclampsia

• Pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis

Sarcoidosis Awareness

Rare Disease Day is February 29th. Raising awareness for Sarcoidosis on Rare Disease Day (and beyond) is ideal, which will help educate people about a health concern that affects less than 200,000 people in the United States.

The official month for Sarcoidosis Awareness is in April.

 

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements 

Select foods can help your overall well-being to comfort this condition. Discuss any nutritious choices with your doctor for the treatment of sarcoidosis.

The best foods to consume with sarcoidosis are:

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidants help protect cells against free radicals - harmful molecules that manipulate our DNA  and cells, which heightens illnesses such as cancer, and heart disease. 

 

 

Consume antioxidant-rich sources, such as:

• Apples

• Artichokes

• Beans

• Beets

• Blueberries 

• Carrots

• Tart Cherries

• Cranberries

• Dark chocolate 

• Dark leafy greens

• Goji berries

• NATUREAL Revert Drops

• NATUREAL Revert Tea

• Purple grapes

• Pecans

• Plums

• Prunes

• Raspberries

• Red cabbage

• Red kale

• Spinach

• Squash

• Strawberries 

• Sweet potatoes 

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important catalyst in enzyme activity, especially energy production.  It also assists in calcium and potassium uptake.

Magnesium is necessary to prevent the calcification of soft tissue.

Magnesium deficiency may be the root cause of sudden asthma, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmia, depression, hypertension, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, and pulmonary disorders.

Eating foods that are rich in magnesium may balance the effects of this disease.

 

 

Consume magnesium rich sources, such as: 

• Apples

• Apricots

• Avocados

• Bananas

• Beans

• Black-eyed peas

• Blackstrap molasses

• Cantaloupe

• Cayenne

• Chia Seeds

• Chickpeas

• Collard Greens

• Figs

• Flaxseed

• Garlic

• Grapefruit

• Green leafy vegetables

• Kale

• Kelp

• Lemons

• Lima Beans

• Millet

• Mustard Greens

• Natto

• NATUREAL Revert Tea

• Paprika

• Parsley

• Peaches

• Pineapple

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Salmon

• Sardines

• Sesame Seeds

• Spinach

• Tofu

• Turnip Greens

• Watercress

• Whole Grains 

  

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

The health boosting properties of olives and olive oil are a result of the specific mono-saturated fats thought to protect against cancer, boost immunity, lower inflammation conditions, including asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and help maintain the memory areas of the brain.

The heart boosting compounds in olives and olive oil may help reduce blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots.

Virgin and extra-virgin olive oil contain high polyphenols, including a phenolic compound oleocanthal, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties comparable to ibuprofen.  

Oleocanthal decreas inflammatory bio markers in arthritis, provides anti cancer effects and helps protect the nervous system  ny source of olive oil that retains you healthy supports your immune status, making you less susceptible to the disease.

In sarcoidosis, scientists believe that a faulty immune system is the leading cause of cell damage.

 

Olive oil supports immunity rather than harming it, helps lower weight and reduces inflammation.

 

We recommend that extra-virgin olive oil be your primary cooking oil.

Substitute olive oil for margarine, butter or mayonnaise and use it as a dressing for salads and steamed vegetables to lower fasting glucose levels, hemoglobin levels, lower weight but most importantly lower circulating inflammatory adipokine levels.

 

Turmeric

The spice turmeric has been a staple in the southeast Asian cuisine and in Aryveda, India’s traditional medical system.

About 3% of turmeric consists of several curcuminoids (cumin), which has extremely powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Turmeric has the ability to help decrease cell inflammation, improving sarcoidosis symptoms.

It is, however, important to note that turmeric can interact undesirably with prescribed drugs, and it can raise hemorrhage danger.

 

Filtered Water

When thirst, opt for drinking filtered water.

Filters remove chlorine, heavy metals and undesirable compounds from the water.

Water releases toxins from your body and, may help reduce the development of sarcoidosis.

 

If you have a hard time consuming plain water, spruce up your water with infused herbs, or fresh fruit or vegetables. 

 

You may also increase your water intake by drinking NATUREAL Revert Tea hot or iced cold, which will provide substantial amounts of antioxidant nutrients.

 

Foods to Avoid With Sarcoidosis

Some foods you should consider removing from your diet if you have sarcoidosis include:

• Refined grains, for example, white bread plus pasta
• Red meat
• Trans-fatty foods, for example, French fries, desserts, microwave popcorn, frozen pizza, packaged snacks, stick margarines, coffee creamers. 
• Gluten
• Bread
• Butter
• Caffeine
• Cereal
• Cheese
• Corn and corn products
• Eggs
• Ice Cream
• Milk
• Pasta
• Soda
• Sugar
• Sweetened beverages
• Alcohol
• Tobacco

 

Herbs for Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

There is no herb to cure sarcoidosis, But, turmeric and cat’s claw can help to decrease inflammation.

Before utilizing herbs as part of the diet plan for the treatment of sarcoidosis, be sure to discuss with your doctor.

 

Supplements for Sarcoidosis

Equally with herbs, talk to your doctor before including supplements for the treatment of sarcoidosis. There are some supplements which can be helpful to people having sarcoidosis:

1. Multivitamin

A daily use of a multivitamin can reduce the risk of developing nutrient deficiencies, caused by poor eating habits and improve whole health.

2. Bromelain

Bromelain contain enzymes that are derived from pineapples, which may help decrease inflammation.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids may decrease inflammation and heart disease.

 

 

Consume omega-3 rich foods, such as: 

 

• Anchovies

• Caviar

• Chia seeds

• Cod liver oil 

• Flax seeds

• Herring

• Mackerel

• Oysters

• Salmon

• Sardines

• Walnuts

 

4. Organic Probiotic Supplements

Taking a quality probiotic supplement daily that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus to improve gastrointestinal health, which directly affects our immune system to boost overall health and well-being.

Speak to your doctor before using probiotics to ensure they won’t interfere with your medications.

If you’ve been approved to use probiotic supplements, we recommend NATUREAL Probiotic.

 

NATUREAL Probiotic is one of the top rated probiotics that contain 40 billion CFUs (colony forming units) and may also act as a natural anti-inflammatory supplement to:

• Replenish beneficial bacteria

• Restore gut health and wellness

• Strengthen immunity

• Decrease inflammation and allergic reaction

• Support an environment for gastrointestinal flora

 

The best time to take probiotics is on an empty stomach. Click here to buy now!