Best Doctors for Sarcoidosis in Mysore

Types/Stages of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis can be categorised into four distinct stages based on radiographic findings:

• Stage 0: In this initial stage, chest X-rays show no visible signs of sarcoidosis.

• Stage I: This stage is characterised by enlarged lymph nodes, but the lung tissue appears normal.

• Stage II: Both the lymph nodes and lung tissue show signs of sarcoidosis.

• Stage III: While the lung tissue displays signs of sarcoidosis, the lymph nodes appear normal.

• Stage IV: This stage indicates severe lung damage or fibrosis.

Symptoms of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis can manifest with various symptoms, which include:

• Persistent dry cough

• Eye and skin discolouration or rashes

• Weight loss and general fatigue

• Night sweats

• Erythema nodosum, characterised by reddish, painful, tender lumps on the skin

• Enlarged lymph nodes

• Neurological symptoms such as headache, seizures, or facial weakness

• Shortness of breath

Tests to Diagnose Sarcoidosis

To diagnose sarcoidosis, doctors usually recommend the following tests:

• Chest X-rays: To detect any abnormalities or lymph nodes.

• Advanced Imaging Techniques: CT scans provide detailed images of the lungs and lymph nodes; MRI scans assess the brain and internal organs; and PET scans detect active inflammation.

• Blood tests: These are done to assess overall health and organ functionality.

• Pulmonary Function Tests: These evaluate how well the lungs function.

• Biopsies: Small samples of tissues might be taken from your lungs or other organs to check for granulomas.

• ECG and echocardiogram: If cardiac involvement is suspected, these tests evaluate heart function and detect any potential heart-related complications of sarcoidosis.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Sarcoidosis at Apollo Hospitals, Mysore

At Apollo Hospitals in Mysore, several treatment methods are adopted to combat sarcoidosis, which include:

• Medications: Corticosteroids are commonly used to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. Other drugs, such as methotrexate or azathioprine, may also be prescribed.

• Topical Treatments: Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus are applied directly to affected skin areas to reduce inflammation in sarcoidosis.

• Oxygen Therapy: In severe pulmonary involvement with low oxygen levels, supplemental oxygen therapy can alleviate symptoms like shortness of breath by improving oxygenation.

• Regular Monitoring and Follow-up Care: Continuous monitoring of the patient’s health is crucial in managing the disease effectively.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Patients are often advised to maintain a healthy diet, regular exercise regime and stress management practices.

• Organ Transplants: In severe cases where organs are severely affected, organ transplants like lung transplants may be considered.

Though sarcoidosis is a complex and varied disease, with the right medical attention and lifestyle modifications suggested by experienced doctors who treat sarcoidosis, it can be managed effectively.