Sarcoidosis Eyes

Sarcoidosis Eyes Sarcoidosis is an infection characterized by the formation of strange nodules or masses of inflamed tissue, referred to as granulomas in body organs. The condition affects various organs within the body, particularly the lymph gland, livers and the lungs. Other than sarcoidosis eyes, which affects the eyes, this condition may also impair the functioning of the brain, Spleen">Spleen, heart, nerves, tear glands, sinuses, salivary glands, joints and the bones. The formation of granulomas in any body organ alters its structure and possibly its functioning.

Sarcoidosis Eyes Symptoms
Statistics have revealed that between 25 and 50 percent of people suffering from sarcoidosis have symptoms affecting the eyes. Such sarcoidosis symptoms include itching, burning, dry eyes, watery eyes, redness, blurred vision and sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight. Such patients will also have minute bumps in the eyes that are pale yellow in color. In severe cases, sarcoidosis can lead to the inflammation of the uvea, a membrane in the eyes that is rich in blood vessels. This condition is known as Uveitis.

This condition causes white blood cells to move to the front of the eye, making the eye sticky. This makes eye structures to stick together. In some cases, this condition can lead to increased pressure inside the eye. Symptoms of uveitis include redness, pain and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, this condition can lead to blindness. If you are diagnosed with sarcoidosis, it is advisable for you to get a comprehensive eye examination regularly for about a year after the diagnosis.

Other Sarcoidosis Symptoms

• Generalized symptoms: During the early stages of the infection, many patients complain ofsymptoms like fatigue, fever, Weight Loss and Swollen Lymph Nodes.


• Lung symptoms:Almost all the patients of statistics experience lung problems at some point of their lives and complain of symptoms like persistent dry cough,shortness of breath, chest pain and wheezing.


• Skin symptoms:About 25 percent of sarcoidosis patients are bound to experience skin problems, including reddish-purple or red rashes around the ankles and the shins, disfiguring skin lesions on the cheeks, ears and the nose, growth of nodules beneath the skin, especially near tattoos and scars and darkening or lightening of skin color in certain regions.

Note:Although this may not be a serious condition, it can have damaging effects on the affected organs over the long run. As such, you should go for diagnosis if you experience such sarcoidosis symptoms.

What Causes Sarcoidosis?
The cause of sarcoidosis eyes has not yet been established. However, some people tend to have a genetic predisposition to contracting the infection. The infection may be triggered by various things, including exposure to dust, chemicals, certain viruses and bacteria. Currently various researchers are still trying to locate the genes that predispose people to this condition. Under normal circumstances, the immune system protects the body from the invasion of disease causing microorganisms. In the case of sarcoidosis, some immune cells collect in certain organs to form granulomas. Build up of these granulomas in such organs can impair their functioning with time.

Although anyone can contract this infection, there are certain factors that predispose people to the infection. The following are some of the predisposing factors:

• Sex and age:Basically, women are more likely to contract this infection. Sarcoidosis mainly occurs in people between 20 and 40 years of age.


• Race: As compared to the white Americans, African-Americans are more likely to suffer from sarcoidosis. The condition is also more likely to recur in the African-Americans.


• Family history:If a relative of yours is suffering from this condition, your likelihood of suffering the same fate is high.

Diagnosing Sarcoidosis
Ascertaining this condition may be a bit difficult, because its symptoms are similar to those of Cancer and Arthritis. As such, the doctor will carry out multiple tests to diagnose sarcoidosis. Initially, the doctor will carry out a physical examination to check for:

• Rashes or skin bumps


• Swollen lymph nodes


• Enlarged Spleen and liver

If the results from this physical checkup are affirmative, the doctor will order extensive diagnostic tests, some of which are mentioned below.

• Chest x-ray – to check for the presence of granulomas


• Chest CT scan – a cross sectional imaging of the chest


• Biopsy – a sample tissue is taken for analysis


• Lung function test – to determine whether the lungs are functioning properly

Additionally, the doctor may also take blood samples to check the functioning of the liver and the kidney.

Treating Sarcoidosis
While sarcoidosis has no cure, treatment is offered to minimize its symptoms and restore proper functioning of the affected organs. As such, mild cases of this disease do not require any treatment.

Sarcoidosis Eyes Treatment
Treatment for sarcoidosis is based on the severity of the infection. For instance, cycloplegics and topical steroids may be used to cure mild cases of anterior uveitis. If the uveitis does not respond to topical steroids, systemic steroids may be administered. Systemic steroids may also be used on patients of optic nerve compromise, neovascularization or posterior uveitis.

If the patient is refractory to the steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may need to be administered. If the inflation continues, other remedies, such as chemotherapy may need to be used. In various cases, cryoablative and trabeculectomy therapy has been used to treat secondary Glaucoma that could not be cured using medical treatment. Retinal neovascularization, that has some ischemia can be treated using topanretinal photocoagulation.

General Treatments for Sarcoidosis
Treatment for the condition may be categorized into two: drug treatment and practices to maintain good health.

Practices to maintain good health

• Regular checkups


• Taking a balanced diet, comprising of vegetables and fruits


• Getting enough sleep, 6 to 8 hours


• Stop smoking


• Taking enough fluids daily

Medication

Drug medications are mainly used to minimize inflammation and relieve the symptoms. The following are some of the commonly used medications for sarcoidosis:

• Corticosteroids: This is the first remedy that is offered to sarcoidosis patients. They are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that may be applied directly to the affected area, in the form of inhalers in case the lungs are affected or creams for skin lesions.


• Anti-rejection medications: These are meant to minimize the inflammation associated with this condition. They work by suppressing the immune system.


• AntiMalarial medications:These drugs are particularly helpful when the nervous system is affected or the patient has increased calcium levels in blood or skin disease.


• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors: These are administered to reduce inflammation caused by Rheumatoid arthritis. The medication may also be used to treat sarcoidosis that is resistant to other medications.

Sarcoidosis Eyes

Sarcoidosis Eyes

Sarcoidosis is an infection characterized by the formation of strange nodules or masses of inflamed tissue, referred to as granulomas in body organs. The condition affects various organs within the body, particularly the lymph gland, livers and the lungs. Other than sarcoidosis eyes, which affects the eyes, this condition may also impair the functioning of the brain, Spleen, heart, nerves, tear glands, sinuses, salivary glands, joints and the bones. The formation of granulomas in any body organ alters its structure and possibly its functioning.

Sarcoidosis Eyes Symptoms
Statistics have revealed that between 25 and 50 percent of people suffering from sarcoidosis have symptoms affecting the eyes. Such sarcoidosis symptoms include itching, burning, dry eyes, watery eyes, redness, blurred vision and sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight. Such patients will also have minute bumps in the eyes that are pale yellow in color. In severe cases, sarcoidosis can lead to the inflammation of the uvea, a membrane in the eyes that is rich in blood vessels. This condition is known as Uveitis.

This condition causes white blood cells to move to the front of the eye, making the eye sticky. This makes eye structures to stick together. In some cases, this condition can lead to increased pressure inside the eye. Symptoms of uveitis include redness, pain and sensitivity to light. If left untreated, this condition can lead to blindness. If you are diagnosed with sarcoidosis, it is advisable for you to get a comprehensive eye examination regularly for about a year after the diagnosis.

Other Sarcoidosis Symptoms

• Generalized symptoms: During the early stages of the infection, many patients complain ofsymptoms like fatigue, fever, Weight Loss and Swollen Lymph Nodes.


• Lung symptoms:Almost all the patients of statistics experience lung problems at some point of their lives and complain of symptoms like persistent dry cough,shortness of breath, chest pain and wheezing.


• Skin symptoms:About 25 percent of sarcoidosis patients are bound to experience skin problems, including reddish-purple or red rashes around the ankles and the shins, disfiguring skin lesions on the cheeks, ears and the nose, growth of nodules beneath the skin, especially near tattoos and scars and darkening or lightening of skin color in certain regions.

Note:Although this may not be a serious condition, it can have damaging effects on the affected organs over the long run. As such, you should go for diagnosis if you experience such sarcoidosis symptoms.

What Causes Sarcoidosis?
The cause of sarcoidosis eyes has not yet been established. However, some people tend to have a genetic predisposition to contracting the infection. The infection may be triggered by various things, including exposure to dust, chemicals, certain viruses and bacteria. Currently various researchers are still trying to locate the genes that predispose people to this condition. Under normal circumstances, the immune system protects the body from the invasion of disease causing microorganisms. In the case of sarcoidosis, some immune cells collect in certain organs to form granulomas. Build up of these granulomas in such organs can impair their functioning with time.

Although anyone can contract this infection, there are certain factors that predispose people to the infection. The following are some of the predisposing factors:

• Sex and age:Basically, women are more likely to contract this infection. Sarcoidosis mainly occurs in people between 20 and 40 years of age.


• Race: As compared to the white Americans, African-Americans are more likely to suffer from sarcoidosis. The condition is also more likely to recur in the African-Americans.


• Family history:If a relative of yours is suffering from this condition, your likelihood of suffering the same fate is high.

Diagnosing Sarcoidosis
Ascertaining this condition may be a bit difficult, because its symptoms are similar to those of Cancer and Arthritis. As such, the doctor will carry out multiple tests to diagnose sarcoidosis. Initially, the doctor will carry out a physical examination to check for:

• Rashes or skin bumps


• Swollen lymph nodes


• Enlarged Spleen and liver

If the results from this physical checkup are affirmative, the doctor will order extensive diagnostic tests, some of which are mentioned below.

• Chest x-ray – to check for the presence of granulomas


• Chest CT scan – a cross sectional imaging of the chest


• Biopsy – a sample tissue is taken for analysis


• Lung function test – to determine whether the lungs are functioning properly

Additionally, the doctor may also take blood samples to check the functioning of the liver and the kidney.

Treating Sarcoidosis
While sarcoidosis has no cure, treatment is offered to minimize its symptoms and restore proper functioning of the affected organs. As such, mild cases of this disease do not require any treatment.

Sarcoidosis Eyes Treatment
Treatment for sarcoidosis is based on the severity of the infection. For instance, cycloplegics and topical steroids may be used to cure mild cases of anterior uveitis. If the uveitis does not respond to topical steroids, systemic steroids may be administered. Systemic steroids may also be used on patients of optic nerve compromise, neovascularization or posterior uveitis.

If the patient is refractory to the steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may need to be administered. If the inflation continues, other remedies, such as chemotherapy may need to be used. In various cases, cryoablative and trabeculectomy therapy has been used to treat secondary Glaucoma that could not be cured using medical treatment. Retinal neovascularization, that has some ischemia can be treated using topanretinal photocoagulation.

General Treatments for Sarcoidosis
Treatment for the condition may be categorized into two: drug treatment and practices to maintain good health.

Practices to maintain good health

• Regular checkups


• Taking a balanced diet, comprising of vegetables and fruits


• Getting enough sleep, 6 to 8 hours


• Stop smoking


• Taking enough fluids daily

Medication

Drug medications are mainly used to minimize inflammation and relieve the symptoms. The following are some of the commonly used medications for sarcoidosis:

• Corticosteroids: This is the first remedy that is offered to sarcoidosis patients. They are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that may be applied directly to the affected area, in the form of inhalers in case the lungs are affected or creams for skin lesions.


• Anti-rejection medications: These are meant to minimize the inflammation associated with this condition. They work by suppressing the immune system.


• AntiMalarial medications:These drugs are particularly helpful when the nervous system is affected or the patient has increased calcium levels in blood or skin disease.


• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors: These are administered to reduce inflammation caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. The medication may also be used to treat sarcoidosis that is resistant to other medications.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis






It is a medical condition in which there is inflammation on the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, eyes or skin and underlying tissues.

Causes :

The exact cause for sarcoidosis is not known. But when the lymph nodes or any other internal organ gets inflamed, tiny clumps of tissue are formed inside. Very often it affects your lungs.

Some believe that this disorder is hereditary (passed to offspring by parents). There is also chance for getting this condition if you work in the atmosphere prone to high sensitivity. If the person has extreme immunity, it may cause infection and swelling in the lungs.

Normally, this disease affects people of age group 20-40 and is very rare on children. It is popular among African Americans and Caucasians.

Symptoms :

This disease may be asymptomatic (without any symptoms). But when there is some signs of infection, it can affect any internal part. If the lungs are infected, the person may get mild to moderate chest pain, dry cough, and shortness of breath, fever, fatigue and overall discomfort.

If the skin surface is affected, he may develop rashes on the skin, hair loss, followed by appearance of skin sores on his legs. Headache and occasional seizure are reported if the nervous system gets infected. If there is infection in the eyes, there can be burning sensation, dry eyes, itching, swelling of eyes and whitish discharge from the eyes.

Occasionally, the person may faint due to breathlessness.

Tests :

Your doctor will look for Enlarged Liver and Spleen during physical examination. He may also check for abnormal breathing sound. Since the disease can infect any organ, several tests has to be done for identifying the disease. CT scan, Chest X-ray and Lung gallium scan are done if the lungs are infected.

Blood test, liver function test and serum phosphorous test is done for some patients.

Pictures of Sarcoidosis :

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Sarcoidosis

Treatment :

Normally, no treatment is required for sarcoidosis since the infection will heal on its own or by body’s immunity. However, treatment is to be done depending on the condition of the patient and the organ which is infected. Initially the person will be put on corticosteroids for a week. For some patients, immunosuppressant medicines (methotrexate, azathioprine) are given. Hydoxychloroquinine is recommended for treating skin disorders of sarcoidosis.

In case of severe infection, the organ has to be removed or transplanted.

Prognosis :

Most of the patients will get better without taking any treatment. However if the lung is infected severely, causing lung tissue damage, heart failure and lung scarring which may be fatal.

Sarcoidosis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prognosis, Pictures

Sarcoidosis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prognosis, Pictures

What is Sarcoidosis?

This is an illness that is categorized by the growth and developing of tiny clumps of inflamed cells in diverse parts of the body. The areas of the body this illness normally affects include the eyes, skin, lungs and lymph nodes.

Medical researchers theorize that sarcoidosis is the consequences of an abnormal immune response – most possibly caused by something inhaled in the air – but as to exactly what triggers the response is not known. The course of this illness varies from individual to individual. Usually, it gets better on its own but in some individuals symptoms and signs can stay for a lifetime.

If an individual has only minor symptoms or signs of sarcoidosis, he/she might only need to be monitored until the illness resolves. However, if symptoms and signs are annoying or put organs that are vital at risk, management with prescription medications that are anti-inflammatory are helpful.

Sarcoidosis Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of sarcoidosis have a tendency to vary contingent on which organs are involved and how long the disease has been present. Often sarcoidosis grows slowly and develops symptoms and signs that can last for years. Or the symptoms can appear abruptly and then disappear just as quickly. Numerous individuals with sarcoidosis have no symptoms, so the condition might not be found until a chest X-ray for another reason is taken.

Generalized symptoms
For most individuals, sarcoidosis starts with the following symptoms or signs:

• Fatigue


• Swollen Lymph Nodes


• Fever


• Weight Loss

Lung symptoms
Almost every person who has sarcoidosis ultimately experiences problems with the lungs, and symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath


• Persistent dry cough


• Chest pain


• Wheezing

Skin symptoms
Up to twenty-five (25) percent of individuals who have sarcoidosis develop problems with the skin which might include:

• Rash – A red or reddish-purple rash of bumps, most commonly located on the ankles or shins, may be tender and warm to the touch.


• Lesions – Skin sores that are disfiguring can occur on the cheeks, ears and nose.


• Color change – Areas of the skin might get lighter or darker in color.


• Nodules – These growths develop just under the skin, especially around tattoos or scars.

Eye symptoms
Eye Symptoms can affect eyes without causing any symptoms, so it is vital to have the eyes regularly checked by a professional. When eyes symptoms do develop, they might include:

• Vision that is blurred


• Pain in the eye


• Severe redness


• Light sensitivity

Sarcoidosis can cause blindness so a physician must be seen promptly if blurred vision, extreme light sensitivity or eye pain develops.

Sarcoidosis Causes

Medical professionals do not exactly know the cause of sarcoidosis. Certain individuals seem to have an inherited predisposition for development of the illness that might then be triggered by being exposed to some specific viruses, dust, chemicals or bacteria. Research is still being done to identify the trigger substances as well as the genes that are associated with this illness.

Usually, the immune system AIDS in protecting the body from foreign matter and attacking microorganisms for example viruses and bacteria. But with sarcoidosis, some cells of immunity clump together in order to develop lumps referred to as granulomas. When granulomas grow in any organ, the organ function is deteriorated.

While anyone may develop this disease, factors that might increase the risk include:

Sex and age
Sarcoidosis normally develops between the ages of twenty (20) and forty (40). Women have a slightly greater risk of developing this disease than are men.

Race
Americans who are black have a greater incidence of this disease than do Americans who are white. Moreover, sarcoidosis might be worse in blacks as well as more possible to create problems of the skin.

Ethnicity
Globally, this disease is more common in individuals whose families come from Northern Europe – especially Scandinavia as well as Britain. Individuals of Japanese ancestry are most likely to develop cardiac or eye problems from sarcoidosis.

Family History
If a family member has sarcoidosis, other members of that family are more likely to develop the disease.

In approximately 2/3s of individuals with sarcoidosis, the disease resolves with no permanent problems. However, in some patients, the disease can be chronic and leads to complications that can affect various parts of the body, for instance:
Lungs
Unmanaged pulmonary sarcoidosis may lead to injured tissues between the air sacs becoming permanent, and making it harder to breathe.

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Eyes
Inflammation can affect about any area of the eye and eventually can lead to blindness. Sarcoidosis can cause Glaucoma and cataracts. Though, this is very rare.

Kidneys
This disease may affect how the body deals with calcium and may cause Kidney Failure.

Heart
Develop granulomas in the heart can disturb electrical signals that control the heartbeat, and can cause heart rhythms to be abnormal. It can even cause death but this happens rarely.

Nervous system
There are a small amount of individuals with sarcoidosis who develop central nervous system problems when granulomas develops in the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation in nerves of the face often causes facial paralysis.

Reproductive system
With males, sarcoidosis can affect the testes and probably cause Infertility. Females with sarcoidosis might find it much harder to conceive and their symptoms and signs might get worse after delivery.

Sarcoidosis Treatment

Medications
Corticosteroids

Prednisone as well as other corticosteroids is normally the first line treatment for this disease. In certain cases these very potent drugs for anti-inflammation may be directly applied to an area that is affected – as a cream to a lesion or with the lungs thru an inhaler. Corticosteroids that are oral affect the entire body and often create weight gain, insomnia, mood swing as well as bones that are weakened known as Osteoporosis.

Anti-malarial drugs

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is supportive for nervous system participation, blood calcium levels which are raised as well as any skin problems. These types of medications can damage the eyes, so eye exams on a regular basis need to be scheduled.

Anti-rejection drugs

Medications such as methotrexate (Trexall) or azathioprine (Imuran) decreases any inflammation by subduing the immune system. But these types of medications have their own risk for instance making an individual more susceptible to infections.

TNF-alpha inhibitors

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors are normally used to manage any inflammation linked with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Several studies have shown that infliximab (Remicade) is also supportive in the management of sarcoidosis. Possible side effects can include blood disorders, lymphoma as well as Congestive Heart Failure.

Surgery
Transplanting organs might be considered if sarcoidosis has damaged brutally the liver or lungs.

Sarcoidosis Prognosis

Some patients may never need treatment particularly when they have no symptoms or signs of sarcoidosis or if it is not troubling them. This is a disease that in the majority of cases goes away on its own. However, patients need to submit to close monitoring with regular exams of the eyes, chest X-rays, skin as well as any other organs involved. Treatment does become needed when function of an organ is endangered.

Individuals having signs or symptoms two (2) years after a diagnosis are diagnosed as having chronic sarcoidosis.

Prognostic factors which are negative in this disease include:

• Develops after age forty (40) years


• Being from a dark race


• Type II and Type IV radiologically


• Affects more than three (3) organs


• Locations that include pernio lupus, damage of nerve, heart disease, chronic hypercalcem

Sarcoidosis Pictures