Most people have never heard of Sarcoidosis, also known as Sarcoid and have no idea how to prevent or treat it. This disease is an inflammatory condition that affects many areas of the body, though usually affects the lungs first. This disease causes some cells to group and grow together, which are called granulomas. These cells can grow and affect the heart, liver, eyes, skin, lymph nodes, sinuses, nose, and spleen, among others.
Who is at Risk
While the disease can affect anyone of any age, race or sex, it typically occurs in young adults. Young children aren’t usually affected. In most cases, the problem is mild and goes away with no treatment. Sometimes, patients have had the disease for years and haven’t had any symptoms. However, in about two to five percent of cases, the disease is severe and affects your ability to handle your daily needs by yourself.
What Is The Cause?
While researchers are working to find the cause of Sarcoidosis, the cause is still unknown. However, most doctors and investigators do believe that the cause is linked directly with the immune system. Inflammation is the body’s way of dealing with injuries and illnesses. It is said that people with the disease have overactive immune systems that cause way too much inflammation and the growth of extra cells. In most cases, the disease is triggered by an infection, either from the mouth or somewhere else in the body.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms can include blurry vision, dry cough, breathing difficulties and a tiredness or general unwell feeling. Other symptoms can include joint pain, red eyes, swollen glands and the development of small, red bumps on the shins or other areas of the body.
How Dental Visits and Disability Benefits Can Help
While doctors and dentists cannot prevent the disease from occurring or give medicine to stop the disease, they can watch you carefully to ensure that nothing is going wrong. Dentists will check for anything abnormal in the mouth, neck, throat and glands and doctors will handle the rest of the body.
If your case is severe, you may need to apply for Social Security Disability. This will allow you to have money coming in to help with medical expenses and daily living needs.
