Unfortunately, many people in their younger productive years in the United States have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis. Many more suffer years before being diagnosed. Dr. Espinoza and the team at Orthopedic Center and ONE Clinic can help you find out if sarcoidosis is causing your symptoms and provide treatment if you need it. For expert sarcoidosis diagnosis and treatment, call Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online today.

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What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a disorder that can affect one or more of your organs’ functioning. If you have it, masses of inflammatory cells called granulomas form on various organs. The condition commonly affects your lungs and your lymph nodes, but granulomas can also form on your:

  • Skin
  • Eyes
  • Heart
  • Liver
  • Spleen
  • Brain

Over time, chronic inflammation from sarcoidosis can permanently scar your organs and cause long-term health complications like blindness, kidney failure, and infertility. However, in many cases, sarcoidosis goes without complications.

What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?

Sometimes, sarcoidosis doesn’t cause any symptoms at all. The symptoms you experience largely depend on which organs develop granulomas, but there are a few general symptoms too. They include:

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Joint pain
  • Dry mouth
  • Swelling in your abdomen

If the disease affects your lungs, you might have chest pain, wheezing, and other symptoms associated with breathing. If it involves your eyes, they might feel uncomfortable or irritated. If the team at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine suspects that you have sarcoidosis, they can tell you which of your organs the condition may affect based on your symptoms.

How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?

Because of the vast array of symptoms associated with sarcoidosis, the condition isn’t always easy to diagnose. At Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine, the team uses advanced techniques to find out if you have sarcoidosis. They begin with a physical examination and may perform one or more of these tests:

  • A chest X-ray
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan
  • Lung function tests
  • Tissue biopsies
  • Blood testing for liver and kidney function

Getting a sarcoidosis diagnosis ensures that you get the right treatment for your condition. The team at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine might test you regularly after your diagnosis to monitor your status.

How is sarcoidosis treated?

Sarcoidosis has no cure, but the team at Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine helps you understand your condition and reduce your symptoms. They provide regular monitoring and may prescribe medications like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation. They might also recommend physical therapy to help you retain muscle strength and reduce fatigue. In many cases, the condition resolves on its own.

Other treatments depend on your symptoms and which organs your sarcoidosis affects the most. For example, if you struggle to breathe because sarcoidosis affects your lungs, the team might recommend pulmonary rehabilitation to improve your breathing.

To find out more about sarcoidosis and how you can manage your symptoms, call Orthopedic Center for Sports Medicine, or schedule an appointment online today.