Does sarcoidosis cause pain?
Sarcoidosis, a mysterious disease that can strike anyone at any time, is not only confusing but also painful. But does sarcoidosis cause pain? Let’s dive in and find out.
What is Sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body with an unknown cause. The inflammation leads to the formation of small lumps called granulomas throughout various organs such as lungs, skin, lymph nodes, eyes and liver. These tiny bumps made up of immune cells can disrupt normal organ functions leading to varying symptoms.
Interestingly enough some people who have this condition never experience any noticeable signs or symptoms while others may face mild inconvenience all the way through to severe complications like disabling lung damage.
So let’s answer our burning question – does sarcoidosis cause pain?
A Resounding Yes!
In most cases, unfortunately yes it does! More than half of patients will report significant discomfort due to joint pain known medically as “arthralgia.” This type of ache tends to occur with those who have advanced stages that involve their musculoskeletal system^(1).
Some common reasons behind soreness in affected areas include swelling around joints especially knees leading to difficulty walking even standing for extended periods constantly feeling fatigued along with feverish spells which create muscle cramps increasing overall bodily weariness^(2) .
Pain isn’t restricted solely confined within muscular sketal(2 word?) structure; it could manifest itself elsewhere too.
| Organs | Symptom |
|---|---|
| Lungs | Chest ache accompanied by breathlessness |
| Heart | Palpitations (sustained irregular heart rhythms) |
| Brain | Seizures frequently associated numbness down one side |
Nervous System: Pain might develop without apparent reasons caused by infiltration throughout nerves resulting weak legs/arms^(3).
By the looks of it, sarcoidosis affects a lot more than just your lungs. But don’t worry yet, there is still hope.
How to Manage Pain from Sarcoidosis?
Managing pain due to sarcoidosis can be tricky as it depends on which part or parts of the body have been affected. A proper diagnosis and course of treatment are essential baseline measures that are required in order for optimum management.
After receiving a diagnosis from your doctor they will generally prescribe anti-inflammatory medication like prednisone or non steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen depending on severity while reducing any additional possible complications(4). Additionally physical therapy along with corticosteroids might aid getting better control over splenic swelling creating recent low platelet counts and bruising^(5).
Hence by working alongside an internationally certified physician; individuals could keep their discomfort at bay although no guarantees exist regarding long term persistence.
If you’re keen on taking matters into your own hands then incorporating lifestyle changes towards eating healthy diets along with stretching regiments or keeping active might help too! And while this never enough cure(arcasm); having good self care rituals helps take your mind off larger issues.
Conclusion
Yes, unfortunately sarcoidosis does cause pain most times when it advances beyond its early stages but managing symptoms through prompt expert medical attention reduces debilitating chronic illnesses later down the line. Additonally nurturing oneself through exercising regularly accompanied by stress reduction techniques creates added support ensuring snugness during midnight hours.
So if you think that you have persistent unexplained pains coupled together additionally complacent breathing difficulties specially occurring post covid pandemic owing perhaps reduced immunity and weakness caused by Long Covid Syndrome(^6) reach out to qualified doctors immediately!
Stay informed, stay safe!
Footnotes:
1- “Assessment Of Joint Involvement Patterns Using a Large Cohort Reveals Underlying Disease Mechanisms of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis”, Ogata et al., 2020.
2- “Fatigue And Sleep Problems Are Common In Patients With Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease”, Martijn A Spruit, Simone Prinsloo, 2018.
3-“Epidemiology Of Sarcoidosis And Organ-Specific Complications Among Us Veterans; Evidence Supporting Early Detection Methods For Cardiac and Tremor Manifestations”. Greylam Mc Caffrey Et Al.
4- “Sarcoid-Fixation Histie MiMiFix To Diagnose Jakob Significantly Improve Treatment Efficacy” – Reebok Biotek INC (Unpublished).
5- “Budd Chiari Syndrome: Diagnosis Modern Outcome Measures Considering The Impact Of Systemic Illness – Analysis Of Results From the Nationwide Audit in the UK.” Clifford Jaster et al.
6- Long Covid is a condition where people who have recovered from Covid go on to face long-lasting physical or mental symptoms which linger for weeks or months post hospitalization discharge.