Best Sarcoidosis Doctors in Mysore

Sarcoidosis is a complex multisystem granulomatous disease with diverse clinical manifestations. It primarily affects various organs such as lungs, eyes, skin, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Although the exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, it is understood that infection, genetic predisposition, and environmental exposures are contributing factors.

In Mysore, doctors who treat sarcoidosis disease conduct diagnostic tests that include X-rays, blood tests, pulmonary function tests, and biopsies to confirm the presence of granulomas. The city's healthcare sector is well-developed and includes experienced specialists in sarcoidosis who cater to the needs of patients. Patients often consult doctors for cough treatment, as it is one of the primary symptoms of sarcoidosis. The next section will outline the stages of sarcoidosis and the necessary diagnostic tests.

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.