Sarcoidosis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Sarcoidosis is a condition that results in inflammation (swelling) of tissues and organs of the body. With sarcoidosis, granulomas (lumps) appear in the lungs, skin, lymph nodes, or eyes. Granulomas may appear when your body is fighting off certain infections. Normally, granulomas decrease in number and disappear after fighting harmful germs and substances. In sarcoidosis, granulomas increase in size and number, and cause problems in areas where they grow. With sarcoidosis, granulomas are most often seen in the lungs or lymph nodes. It is thought that sarcoidosis may be caused by problems in the immune system, such as an autoimmune disease. The immune system is your body's defense system against infections and diseases. Frequently being around chemicals or having family members who also have the disease may increase the risk of having sarcoidosis.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis may come and go. You may have signs and symptoms for a time, then they will get better, and start up again. These may include weight loss, weakness, fever, fatigue (getting tired easily), and skin lesions. You may also have chest pain, trouble breathing or thinking, coughing up blood, and painful swelling of muscles and joints. You need an x-ray, computerized tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biopsy, and blood tests to diagnose sarcoidosis. Treatment aims to decrease the swelling of granulomas and prevent their increase in number. Your caregiver may give you medicines, such as steroids, cytotoxics, and pain medicines, to decrease signs and symptoms. He may have to do surgery to remove granulomas causing problems inside your body. Diagnosing and treating sarcoidosis as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and help you keep doing your usual activities.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• Treatment of sarcoidosis may carry certain risks. Medicines for sarcoidosis may have some unwanted side effects. They may cause nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), dizziness, constipation (dry hard stools), and high blood pressure. They may also cause osteoporosis (weak bones). During surgery you may bleed more than the usual or have an infection.
  
  
• If left untreated, granulomas may cause further damage in the affected areas. They may damage your lungs and cause pulmonary fibrosis (scarred, useless areas of your lung). You may have trouble breathing and feel very tired most of the time. Granulomas in your brain may cause problems thinking, remembering things, and controlling your actions and feelings. You may have blindness, further hearing loss, and seizures. Your heart may be affected and stop beating completely, and may even cause death. Call your caregiver if you have questions about your condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

IV:

An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

• Cytotoxic medicines: These medicines may decrease redness, pain, and swelling, and help your immune system to fight off disease.
  
  
• Heart medicines: Your caregiver may give anti-arrhythmics to help your heart beat correctly again.
  
  
• Medicines to treat pain, swelling, or fever: These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when used by people with certain medical conditions. Tell caregivers if you have liver or kidney disease or a history of bleeding in your stomach.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.

Tests:

• Blood tests: You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.
  
  
• Computerized tomography scan: This is also called a CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of areas inside your body affected by sarcoidosis. It may be used to look at brain, lungs, muscles, and bones. You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging: This test is also called an MRI. Pictures of the affected areas allow your caregiver to see any problems inside your body. It may be used to look at your brain, lungs, muscles, and bones. You will need to lay still during a MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch, or any other metal objects. Doing this can cause serious injury.
  
  
• Urine sample: For this test you need to urinate into a small container. You will be given instructions on how to clean your genital area before you urinate. Do not touch the inside of the cup. Follow instructions on where to place the cup of urine when you are done.
  
  
• X-ray: This is a test that takes picture of the inside of your body. Your caregiver may use it to look for any problems and see how your lungs and heart are doing. It may show granulomas, fluid, and other problems around your heart and lungs.

Treatment options:

• Surgery: Your caregiver may have to remove granulomas inside your body that cause very bad signs and symptoms. Your caregiver may cut away or use lasers (powerful light beams) to remove skin lesions. He may also use dermabrasion to gently smooth uneven skin or scars.
  
  

Vital signs:

Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Sarcoidosis (Inpatient Care)