What You Need to Know About Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease that many people know little about until it affects them or someone they care about. When you first become a family caregiver to an older adult with sarcoidosis, the best way to prepare yourself to help them manage the condition is to learn more about it. There’s a lot to know about the disease but starting with the basics is a good way to start your quest for knowledge.

Sarcoidosis Overview

Sarcoidosis causes the body to develop clusters of inflammatory cells, called granulomas. The granulomas most currently collect in the lungs and lymph nodes. However, they can occur in other areas of the body, including the eyes, skin, and heart.

How the diseases affects your older family member depends on what part of their body the granulomas are in. There are some general symptoms, though, that occur no matter where the granulomas are, such as:

  • Fatigue.
  • Weight loss.
  • Painful and swollen joints.
  • Swelling in the lymph nodes.

Sarcoidosis has no cure. In some cases, no treatment is needed, and the disease goes away on its own. However, some people have sarcoidosis for many years, and it can damage their organs.

Causes of Sarcoidosis

Unfortunately, doctors and scientists don’t know what causes some people to develop sarcoidosis. It seems that some people may be genetically predisposed to the disease. Then, something occurs to develop the disease to develop. Possible triggers for sarcoidosis are:

  • Bacteria.
  • Dust.
  • Viruses.
  • Chemicals.

Once the disease is triggered, the immune system responds by overreacting. Groups of immune cells gather together, forming the granulomas in organs. The accumulation of granulomas interferes with the organ’s ability to function properly.

Risk Factors for Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis can occur in anyone, but doctors have identified a few things that make getting the disease more likely. Risk factors for sarcoidosis include:

  • Age: Sarcoidosis typically happens between age 20 and age 60, but it can occur at any age.
  • Sex: Women get sarcoidosis more often than men.
  • Race: African Americans and people who are of North European descent get the disease more often. Sarcoidosis usually affects the lungs of African Americans while also affecting other organs.
  • Family History: Having another family member with sarcoidosis raises the risk.

If your older family member has sarcoidosis, home care can assist them with managing the disease. A home care provider can remind the older adult when it is time to take medications for the condition. In addition, a home care provider can offer transportation to medical appointments and to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions.

Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350358

https://www.webmd.com/lung/arthritis-sarcoidosis

https://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/sarcoidosis/learn-about-sarcoidosis.html

If you are considering home care in Lake City, FL, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts Home Care. Call today: 352-225-3727.

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