Understanding Sarcoidosis

Home Care Service Highland Park IL - Understanding Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a condition in which granulomas develop in parts of the body. Granulomas are clusters of inflammatory cells. Granulomas can develop in any organ, but they most often occur in the lungs, eyes, skin, and lymph nodes. The condition can be mild, requiring little or no treatment. However, in some cases and depending on the organs affected, it can be very serious. The condition has no cure, but it can be treated. If you’re a family caregiver for a senior with sarcoidosis, the first step in being an effective caregiver is knowing more about the condition. 

Causes of Sarcoidosis 

Unfortunately, the cause of sarcoidosis is unclear. One possibility is that the disease is triggered by a substance from the environment that is probably inhaled, causing the immune system to respond. There may be a genetic factor as well, which causes the person to develop the disease when it is triggered.  

Although the exact cause is unknown, doctors have determined some factors that increase the risk of getting sarcoidosis.

Some of the risk factors are: 

* Age: Sarcoidosis is usually diagnosed when a person is between the ages of 20 and 40. 
* Gender: Women get sarcoidosis more often than men. 
* Race: Sarcoidosis affects African-Americans more often than Caucasians. 
* History: People who have a family member with sarcoidosis are more likely to get it. 

Symptoms of Sarcoidosis 

The symptoms of sarcoidosis depend on the area of the body that is affected. In general, people who have sarcoidosis most often experience the following symptoms when the disease first begins: 

* Fatigue. 
* Weight loss. 
* Fever. 
* Swollen lymph nodes. 

When sarcoidosis affects the lungs, it causes these symptoms: 

* Difficulty breathing. 
* Wheezing. 
* Coughing. 
* Chest pain. 

People whose skin is affected by sarcoidosis may have the following symptoms: 

A rash that looks like reddish or purplish bumps. The rash usually happens on the ankles or shins and may be tender or warm when touched. 

* Discolored areas of skin that look either lighter or darker. 
* Sores on the ears, cheeks, or nose. 
* Bumps under the skin, especially around scars and tattoos. 

Sarcoidosis affecting the eyes can cause: 

​* Blurry vision. 
* Light sensitivity. 
* Red eyes. 
* Pain in the eyes. 

Home Care Services care can help older adults who have sarcoidosis to live more comfortably and stay healthier. Home care services can ensure that the older adult eats a healthy diet, which can improve overall health. A home care services provider can also remind the person to take medications and of upcoming medical appointments. If your aging relative needs a ride to the doctor’s office, a home care services provider can drive them to the appointment and back home again. 

Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350358 
https://www.webmd.com/lung/arthritis-sarcoidosis 
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sarcoidosis 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Highland Park IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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