SARCOIDOSIS
Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disorder in which the body forms noncaseating granulomas - benign masses that form in the lungs,
sinuses, nose, skin, and occasionally the parotid glands. This disorder commonly affects young adults. Thorough examination of the body on a systemic level is critical to determine if the disease has spread to other organ systems. For example, sarcoidosis
may be found in the salivary glands, lymph nodes of the neck, the chest cavity, and lung cavity. It may even be present in the abdominal cavity or retroperitoneal organs (such as the adrenal glands and kidneys) and can cause lesions in the skin.
Sarcoidosis can act up at any time or it can disappear spontaneously. When sarcoidosis flares, you may feel severely fatigued and be inaccurately diagnosed as anemic (low blood count), because of the fatigue. Sarcoidosis is often associated with joint pain, as are many other inflammatory disorders. CAID-related complaints include epistaxis, nasal pain and obstruction, lack of a sense of smell, and hoarseness. It can also affect the nervous system.
Specific blood test results for sarcoidosis might include an elevated sedimentation rate as well as an elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme titer. There often appears to be an imbalance in B and T lymphocyte activity. Chest X-rays and biopsies of the granulomas are the most critical tests for establishing a diagnosis. Once a firm diagnosis is established, an ENT can deal with specific issues such as crusting, bleeding, obstruction of the nasal cavity, and chronic sinus infection caused by blockage of the sinus cavities by these granulomas. While it sometimes requires surgery, it will often require steroids to decrease the inflammation and control the immune system. A good pulmonologist or rheumatologist is critical to directing long-term medical treatment.
