GRAND WORTHY MATRON’S MEDICAL MOMENT
Submitted by Brother Richard E. Gordon, Jr., M.D., FAAFP
#1 Sarcoidosis,
Sarcoidosis also called sarcoid, can attack any part of the body, inside or out. It appears as small patches of inflammatory cells that can form lumps known as granulomas. Black women have a much higher rate of this disease than anyone else in the general population, affecting nearly three out of one hundred Black women in this country.
Sarcoid usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 40, but it can first appear in much older people. The cause of sarcoid is unknown, however, most doctors believe it is due to an autoimmune reaction or sensitivity reaction to an infection or chemical exposure in those who are genetically predisposed. Those with affected family members are at increased risk of acquiring this disorder.
The disease usually begins in the lungs, skin, or lymph nodes, and is the disease that became a fatal condition for the famous comedian Bernie Mac.
The symptoms will vary depending on what organs are involved. Night sweats, coughing, wheezing, unusual weight loss, and fatigue are very common symptoms.
This disease can spontaneously go into remission in many cases, however, a third of patients have a progressive form of the disease that will eventually end in organ failure and death.
This disease can be treated by anti-inflammatories such as Motrin, or the steroid prednisone. For more severe cases, stronger anti-inflammatory and autoimmune fighting drugs can be used to fight this disease. If you have a family member with this disease, it is important to know the common symptoms so that you may seek medical attention early in the disease process.
4/22/2017