Sarcoidosis Diagnosis

Sarcoidosis diagnosis is not a straightforward, easy task, since the disease can imitate other conditions. The diagnostic process involves several different tests aimed at differentiating sarcoidosis from other similar diseases and identifying the presence of granulomas.

The following is a list of some of the tests used for sarcoidosis diagnosis:

Chest X-ray

This method is commonly used , since the great majority of sarcoidosis sufferers have lung involvement. The chest X-ray can display evidence of granulomas or enlarged lymph glands. A system of classification stages is used, with stage 1 being clear lungs and stage 4 evidence of lung scar tissue.

Blood Tests

These are used for identifying specific blood cell types and the levels of protein.

Bronchoscopy

This involves inspection of the lung tissue via a fibreoptic tube inserted into the lung.

Lung Biopsy

Pulmonary Function Test

CT Scan

This is similar to an X-ray, but more detailed.

Heart Tests

Eye Tests

The diversity and complexity of the processes involved in sarcoidosis diagnosis is evidence enough of the lack of knowledge and understanding of the disease itself, with slow progress being made.

However, some encouraging progress has been made in the natural, alternative treatment field, in the form of the Aden Protocol.

Click Here For A Natural Sarcoidosis Alternative Treatment

What Is Granuloma

The word "granuloma" originates from the Latin word "granum," meaning "grain" or "seed." Granulomas  appear as small lumps with a distinctive cellular make-up that can be observed by using a microscope. They can develop on almost any internal or external body part. There are numerous diverse granulomatous diseases, including Crohn's disease, tuberculosis and sarcoidosis.

The cells that form a granuloma come from the immune system, which is the body's defence against disease and illness. Its key component parts are macrophages and leukocytes, cells that originate in the bone marrow and pass along the lymphatic vessels to various parts of the body.

Macrophages are cells that attack alien germs and bacteria by surrounding and engulfing them. Macrophages exude various biochemicals that influence the action of the surrounding cells. For example, cytokines are one type of biochemical that may be secreted, which causes inflammation, the reason behind an infected area becoming inflamed.

Lymphocytes are smaller immune cells that lay dormant until triggered by meeting a foreign body, an antigen, and then begin to secrete antibodies to fight the invader. The most common types of lymphocytes are T cells and B cells, and the antibodies they produce are called immunoglobulins. When foreign bodies such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins resist the action of macrophages, the resisting particles are attacked by the macrophages, leading to the formation of a granuloma, a cluster of a variety of cells forming a distinct nodule.

Sarcoidosis is a disease of unknown origin that is distinguishable by the formation of granulomas in various organs. It is the development of these granulomas and the ensuing tissue damage that cause sarcoidosis symptoms. However, in a lot of instances , granulomas do not form in key areas of the body or appear in such significant numbers that they lead to symptoms. The manifestation of the disease can differ greatly between sufferers. Some patients experience a short lived, mild attack, whereas in others the disease becomes chronic and incapacitating.

Typical sarcoidosis treatment is the prescribing of corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, but prolonged use can lead to unwanted and potentially dangerous side-effects. However, an all natural sarcoidosis alternative treatment is an option that is available.

Click Here For Sarcoidosis Alternative Treatment Details

Sarcoidosis Exercise

Sarcoidosis and exercise is not out of the question.

Although many sarcoidisis sufferers are overcome with tiredness, a regular programme of exercise aimed at increasing metabolism can work wonders in defeating fatigue. As stamina and endurance is improved, work capabilities and resistance to fatigue will likewise increase.

Watch and listen to the expert’s view on sarcoidosis and exercise:

 

There you have it, sarcoidosis and exercise is recommended by the professionals.

What to do next? The following may help.

1. As with most exercise regimes, the most success will come from exercise activities that are enjoyed, such as dancing, walking and swimming. Whichever activity is chosen, start slowly and gradually improve stamina. Try to exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week, and steadily raise the physical activity level to 30 minutes, four to six times a week.

2. Always warm up before starting to exercise, stretch the muscles and get the heart pumping. When finished, gradually slow down the heart rate and re-stretch the muscles.

3. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, dancing and swimming are perfect activities to improve breathing capacity and also good for the heart. This regular cardiovascular workout will help to prevent heart disease and can greatly assist recovery from sarcoidosis. As the body becomes healthier and stronger, the symptoms of sarcoidosis become easier to manage.

4. Once the aerobic activities have improved breathing, the next step could be strength training activities, which help muscle groups to become stronger. In order to build strength, weightlifting and exercise machines will be needed, so it may be best to consult a professional trainer for expert advice.

5. It is important to stay hydrated both during and after any physical activity, be properly attired for the activity, and try not to do too much, too soon.

6. Above all, check with your doctor before beginning any exercise regime.

 

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Sarcoidosis Stages

In order to make a proper diagnosis of sarcoidosis, medical professionals will begin by taking note of any medical history, in particular any previous family history of sarcoidosis, and what professions were followed that may have increased the chances of developing sarcoidosis. A physical examination and several diagnostic tests will also be used in the assessment.

There is not one specific test for making a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, and a variety of tests will be used depending in which part of the body is being examined. Included in these tests is the chest x-ray

In a chest x-ray, an image of the heart and lungs is taken, which may indicate granulomas or enlarged lymph nodes in the chest. It is estimated that 95% of sarcoidosis sufferers have an abnormal chest x-ray, so it is a good indicator when trying to detect sarcoidosis.

A staging system for chest x-rays is the typical method used for sarcoidosis diagnosis.

Sarcoidosis Stages

• Stage 0- normal chest x-ray
• Stage 1- indicated by enlarged lymph nodes, but clear lungs
• Stage 2 - enlarged lymph nodes and shadows on the lungs
• Stage 3 - shadows on the lungs, but no enlargement of the lymph nodes
• Stage 4 – scars present in the lung tissue

Sarcoidosis Stages

 
Generally speaking, the higher the indicated stage, the worse the symptoms and lung functionality, but this is not the case for everyone. Some people may not show any symptoms or need any form of treatment, and some may actually improve to the extent that further chest x-rays will be normal.

Click here to see how to treat sarcoidosis lungs naturally

 

Sarcoidosis Rash

Sarcoidosis rash occurs as a result of an autoimmune reaction in individuals with sarcoidosis, manifesting in approximately 20 % of sufferers.

Typical symptoms of sarcoidosis can include some of the following:

• Intermittent shortness of breath
• Skin rashes
• Pain in the chest
• Eye inflammation, known as uveitis
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever or night sweats.

Characteristic initial signs of sarcoidosis , however, are shortness of breath and skin  rashes.

A sarcoidosis rash is made up of red bumps, which can develop on the face, arms, chest, shins, or buttocks. The rash normally forms in small raised red patches on the skin, although occasionally the areas can be darker in colour and larger. The rash can be itchy and take months to both develop and vanish.

Another type of skin rash that occurs with sarcoidosis is erythema nodosum.

Erythema nodosum are raised reddish and painful lumps that appear most often just below the knees, to the front of the legs. These skin lesions, ranging from one to five centimetres in size, are a type of skin inflammation of the fatty layer beneath the skin. In most instances, erythema nodosum will clear up by itself in 6 to 8 weeks, gradually decreasing in size and degree of inflammation, until they completely vanish. Although reappearances elsewhere may crop up, they will eventually disappear.

Another type of sarcoidosis skin rash is lupus pernio.

Lupus pernio is a persistent hardening of the face leading to a violet colouring of the cheeks, nose, lips and ears. Lupus pernio lesions can erode bone or cartilage, possibly leading to permanent disfigurement. This clearly may have a bearing on the self esteem of the sufferer, particularly as the lesions may develop on the face and therefore be very obvious. These lesions are considered to be the most symptomatic feature of sarcoidosis, but not every sarcoidosis patient will be affected. It is important to note that lupus pernio is totally different to lupus.

Sarcoidosis rash treatment will typically involve strong anti-inflammatory drugs, but as with many drugs, extensive and prolonged use may lead to dangerous side effects.

Alternatively, these drugs can be avoided by following an all natural sarcoidosis treatment regime.

Click here to eliminate sarcoidosis rash naturally

Sarcoidosis Lungs

Sarcoidosis lungs occur following the development of tiny, grain like cells in the lungs called granulomas. These cells grow and combine, which can severely harm the ability of the lungs to perform at their best.

The following video describes how the sarcoidosis granulomas are identified.

Lung sarcoidosis treatment varies, but the main method is to use anti-inflammatory medication, usually prednisone. Prolonged use of this type of drug can result in unwanted side effects such as diabetes, so this form of treatment may be best avoided.

Luckily, an alternative treatment for sarcoidosis of the lungs is available, in the form of the Aden Protocol, which has an impressive sarcoidosis remission success rate.

Click here to see how to treat sarcoidosis lungs naturally.

Is Sarcoidosis Contagious?

Let Daniel Culver of the Respiratory Institute provide the answer.   

 



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Cutaneous Sarcoidosis

Appearances of cutaneous sarcoidosis are both widespread and diverse. It is even possible for one particular sufferer to have differing varieties of sarcoid skin lesions simultaneously. Due to the varied skin manifestations, a dermatologist may be the most likely person to diagnose sarcoidosis, but if a person visits a physician displaying skin issues, it is advisable for the doctor to consider that sarcoidosis may be the source of the problems.

Lupus Pernio

Lupus pernio, which is not related to lupus, is not another disease, but a chronic hardening of the face, typically materialising with a violet colouring to the cheeks, nose, lips and ears. Lupus pernio lesions can eat away into bone or cartilage and can can cause permanent disfigurement and low self esteem issues, particularly as the lesions may be facially located and highly noticeable.

Lupus Pernio

Occasionally, these lesions will look as though there are small lumps along the edges, especially if sited at the edge of the nose. Lupus pernio is similar to other cutaneous sarcoidosis lesions in that they can manifest themselves at the sites of old injuries and scars- both locations that can prove to be unresponsive to typical immunosuppressant medication. As exposure to bright light, cold or wind can promote the growth of these lesions on the face, nose and hands, it is vital that sarcoidosis patients protect these areas. Lupus pernio lesions are considered to be the most indicative diagnostic feature of sarcoidosis, but not all sarcoidosis patients will be affected by these lesions.

Erythema Nodosum

Erythema nodosum are raised tender, reddish, painful lumps, most commonly located to the front of the legs, just below the knees. The lesions do not involve granulomas of the skin, but are a type of skin inflammation of the fatty layer beneath the skin, varying in size from one to five centimetres. They usually clear up suddenly by themselves, diminishing in size and becoming less inflamed, until they completely disappear. Reappearances elsewhere may occur for a while, but they will eventually disappear. Chronic erythema nodusum, however, can appear with or without the involvement of any underlying disease.

Erythema Nodosum

Typical cutaneous sarcoidosis treatment usually involves strong anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, but care needs to be taken as prolonged use of this type of medication can lead to hazardous side effects such as diabetes.

Alternatively, a natural sarcoidosis treatment in which a vital element is the pursuance of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and a healthy diet, can provide a positive outcome, avoiding the use of potentially dangerous drugs.

Click Here For A Natural Treatment For Cutaneous Sarcoidosis

Brain Sarcoidosis

Living With Sarcoidosis Brain

Although not always dangerous, sarcoidosis can be extremely unpleasant, affecting many parts of the body. Brain sarcoidosis occurs in up to 15% of all sufferers. Any section of the nervous system can be affected, but often the nerves at the base of the brain, the cranial nerves, are involved.

Sarcoidosis brain and nervous system symptoms can include:

- facial palsy or Bell's palsy, causing drooping and/or paralysis on one side of the face.

- headaches

- blurred ,double vision or blindness

- weakness, numbness, tingling in the face, arms and/or legs.

- mood changes, irritability and memory loss

The problems caused by sarcoidosis of the nervous system can include:

- nerve inflammation

- peripheral neuropathy, a condition that impairs the capacity of the nerves to relay messages between the brain and the spinal cord and the rest of the body

- granulomas in the meninges or in the brain or spinal cord

Obviously, early diagnosis is vital. Medical practitioners usually rely on the symptoms and imaging scans to diagnose sarcoidosis of the brain and nervous system.

Alternatively, there is a natural treatment system available that has been shown to encourage sarcoidosis remission, without using dangerous drugs. The process involves adjusting the chemical imbalance in one small organ in the abdomen. This imbalance was discovered to be involved with the primary triggers of sarcoidosis.

Restoring this balance is a key element of this encouraging treatment.

Discover More Sarcoidosis Alternative Treatment Details Here

Sarcoidosis Prognosis- Important Facts And Treatment Options

In most cases, a sarcoidosis prognosis may well be excellent, but as the main causes of the disease remain unclear, it is still not possible to fully understand just what is involved with the disease. What is true with this disease is that it causes granulomatous inflammation, mainly in the lungs, but can affect many other organs such as the skin and eyes.

Owing to the fact that the causes are unclear, it is evident that preventative measures are very difficult to achieve, so medical professionals and patients usually tend to focus on the actual sarcoidosis prognosis, treating the illness in a way that allows a relatively normal life. About 75% of sufferers will have an excellent sarcoidosis prognosis, even though sporadic recurrences may arise. This means however, that 25% have more severe issues, although rarely fatal.

As already pointed out, in the absence of a specific cause, preventative measures are very difficult to identify, but depending upon which organ of the body is affected, certain lifestyle changes could make a major difference. For example, in the case of lung sarcoidosis, avoidance of smoking and smoky atmospheres, chemicals, and dusty surroundings would be an obvious course of action.

Looking at individual cases, it is impractical to give a definitive sarcoidosis prognosis, but by investigating the symptoms, an informed judgement can be made as to how the disease will progress. For instance, unexpected weight loss or lack of general well-being would indicate a mild, short term attack. A more serious and chronic attack could be signalled by dyspnea or skin sarcoidosis symptoms. It should also be noted that milder attacks arise in white patients, which is clearly not good news for black patients, as the sarcoidosis prognosis is not as good.

As there are so many differing facets to the disease, making an accurate sarcoidosis prognosis is an arduous and complicated task, but that has not prevented a great deal of research. Areas being investigated are bacteria, fungi and viruses with the aim of identifying possible causes. Encouraging progress has also come from research into using natural alternative treatment, resulting in a great deal of hope to sufferers.

An example of this natural method of treatment can be found in the Aden Protocol Resource Book, which promotes dietary and lifestyle changes as the way forward for a more favourable sarcoidosis prognosis.

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Living With Sarcoidosis

Watch the following video and see what can be achieved!

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