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Q For years I have heard about a condition called sarcoidosis, but I never really understood it. I know that it affects people in different ways and that it can cause some pretty severe problems. I hope that you can give me some information about sarcoidosis because my sister, who never goes to see a doctor, decided to go recently and was diagnosed with the condition. What can she expect? J.L., New York City

A Sarcoidosis, a disease in which abnormal collections of inflammatory cells form in several organs of the body (including the heart, liver and lungs), is a mysterious condition that has no known cause. Doctors say inherited factors could contribute or it could result from an infection or from an abnormal response of the immune system.

The disease, doctors say, develops primarily in people between the ages of 20 and 40, and is more common and more severe in African-Americans. It affects twice as many women as men. Symptoms vary according to the site and extent of the disease, but can include shortness of breath, red bumps on the face, arms or shins, a cough, a rash, fever, night sweats, aching joints and weight loss. Its principal feature is the appearance of small areas of inflamed cells called granulomas, which can develop in the skin or in the respiratory system.

Medical experts say it's common for sarcoidosis to clear up spontaneously, and that most people don't need treatment. But if symptoms are severe, corticosteroids are often used to suppress pain and fever.

# posted by Medical Information : 6:23 AM