Sarcoidosis – Types, Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a disease where small clusters of immune cells, called granulomas, form in different parts of the body , often in lungs, skin, lymph nodes and eyes. The exact cause is still unclear but it’s thought to be linked to a mix of genetics and environmental triggers. Symptoms can vary widely, depending on which organs are affected. Common symptoms include coughing, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, skin rashes and eye problems. Conventional medicine primarily focuses on controlling inflammation and managing symptoms with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach that aims to balance the body’s energies (Dosha) and  support overall health through natural remedies. Here, in this Article we will discuss its Ayurvedic overview and its management.

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is a condition where clusters of immune cells, called granulomas form in different parts of the body. It typically starts in the lungs, skin, or lymph nodes. It can affect almost any organ , including the eyes, liver, heart and brain. Symptoms can vary depending on which part of the body is affected. Some people have no symptoms or just mild ones, while others may experience breathing problems, coughing, chest pain, or rashes. In some cases people develop a condition called Löfgren syndrome, which includes fever, joint inflammation, and a specific rash. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but it might involve an immune reaction triggered by infections or environmental factors in people who are in general more likely to get this disease. Sarcoidosis can sometimes be serious, the risk of death is relatively low (1-7%), and the chance of it coming back is small (less than 5%) for those who’ve had it before.

Types

Sarcoidosis can be categorized into different types based on which organs are involved and how it presents clinically. Here’s a breakdown of the main types:

1. Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: This is the most common type, where sarcoidosis affects the lungs. It may cause symptoms like persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest discomfort. Over time, it can cause scarring of lung tissue.
2. Cutaneous Sarcoidosis: When the disease affects the skin, it may cause rashes, bumps, or lesions. One common skin symptom is erythema nodosum, which results in red, painful bumps, usually on the legs.
3. Lymphatic Sarcoidosis: This form affects the lymph nodes, especially around the chest (hilar lymphadenopathy), but it can also cause swelling in other areas like the neck or armpits.
4. Ocular Sarcoidosis: Sarcoidosis can impact the eyes, leading to conditions such as uveitis (inflammation inside the eye). Symptoms might include eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If untreated, it can cause lasting damage to vision.
5. Cardiac  Sarcoidosis: When the heart is involved, sarcoidosis can cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), heart failure, and other heart issues. This type can sometimes go unnoticed until it causes severe complications.
6. Neurosarcoidosis: This type affects the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include headaches, seizures, weakness, and vision problems. It’s more difficult to diagnose and treat compared to other types.
7. Gastrointestinal Sarcoidosis: Although less common, sarcoidosis can impact the liver, spleen, and intestines, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
8. Löfgren Syndrome: A specific form of sarcoidosis, this syndrome is marked by fever, joint pain (often in the ankles), swollen lymph nodes in the chest, and a characteristic skin rash called Erythema Nodosum. It is more commonly seen in people of European descent.

Causes

There is no exact cause known for this disease. But combination of genetics and environmental factors can be the cause of sarcoidosis.

1. Genetic factor : If someone in family has sarcoidosis then there are chances of developing this condition
2. Environmental Factors : Dust, chemical exposure, being exposed to any infection

Symptoms

Sarcoidosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, depending on which parts of the body are affected. Some people have no symptoms or only mild ones, while others experience more noticeable or serious issues. Here are some of the common symptoms:

General Symptoms

1. Fatigue: Feeling very tired for no clear reason.
2. Weight loss: Losing weight without trying to.
3. Fever: A low fever that comes and goes.
4. Night sweats: Waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat.

Pulmonary Symptoms

1. Cough: A dry cough that doesn’t go away.
2. Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in your chest.
3. Wheezing: A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing.
4. Shortness of breath: Finding it harder to breathe, especially when you’re active

Cutaneous Symptoms

1. Red bumps on the shins: Painful, red lumps, especially on your legs (a condition called erythema Nodosum).
2. Rashes: Rashes or raised patches of skin on the face, neck, or arms.
3. Purple skin patches: Sometimes, dark patches form on the face or ears (called lupus pernio).

Lymphatic Symptoms

1. Swollen lymph nodes: Swelling in areas like your neck, armpits, or chest.

Optic Symptoms

1. Red, irritated eyes: Your eyes may become inflamed, causing redness and discomfort.
2. Blurry vision: You might have trouble seeing clearly.
3. Eye pain: The eyes can feel sore or sensitive to light.

Cardiac Symptoms

1. Irregular heartbeats: A feeling that your heart is beating too fast, too slow, or in an uneven rhythm.
2. Chest pain: Pain in your chest, though this is less common.
3. Heart failure: Difficulty breathing, swelling in your legs, and overall weakness, which can happen if the heart is affected.

Nervous System Symptoms

1. Headaches: Severe or persistent headaches.
2. Seizures: In rare cases, sarcoidosis can cause seizures.
3. Weakness or numbness: If the disease affects nerves, you might feel weak, numb, or lose coordination.
4. Vision problems: Blurred or lost vision can occur if the eyes or nervous system are affected.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

1. Abdominal pain: Pain in the stomach or other parts of the abdomen.
2. Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice): If the liver is affected, your skin and eyes may turn yellow.

Joint Symptoms

1. Joint pain: Swelling or pain, especially in your ankles, knees, or wrists.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of sarcoidosis involves a few steps, as its symptoms can overlap with other conditions. Here are some diagnostic criteria to rule out this condition.
• Medical History and Physical Exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, family history, and possible environmental exposures. They’ll also check for physical signs, like swollen lymph nodes or rashes.

Blood Tests

Some blood tests can point to sarcoidosis:

1. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE): High levels of ACE may suggest sarcoidosis, though it’s not specific to the disease.
2. Calcium levels: Elevated calcium levels in the blood could indicate sarcoidosis, especially if the lungs are involved.

Imaging Tests

1. Chest X-ray: This is often the first test used. It can show signs like enlarged lymph nodes in the chest and changes in the lungs.
2. CT scan: A more detailed scan may be done to examine the lungs and check for granulomas (small clusters of cells).

Biopsy

If the doctor suspects sarcoidosis, they may take a tissue sample from an affected area (like the lungs, skin, or lymph nodes) to check for granulomas.

Pulmonary Function Tests

These tests assess how well your lungs are working, which can help determine if sarcoidosis is affecting your respiratory system.

Eye Exams

If eye involvement is suspected, an eye doctor might check for inflammation or other issues.

Excluding Other Conditions

Since sarcoidosis shares symptoms with other diseases, doctors may perform tests for conditions like tuberculosis (TB) to rule them out.

Treatment

Treatment of this disease largely depends on the severity of the disease, the organ affected and the symptoms experienced by the individual. Many people with Sarcoidosis may not require any treatment it may resolve on its own. Medical attention is needed when the symptoms are severe and affect vital organs. Some common approaches for this disease are :

1. Corticosteroids
2. Immunosuppressive drugs (Methotrexate, Azathioprine, Leflunomide)
3. Biologic Agents
4. Hydroxychloroquine
5.  Anti tumor necrosis factor alpha antibodies
6. Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Other Treatment Includes

1. Lung Transplant
2. Oxygen therapy

Ayurvedic overview

According to Ayurveda, Sarcoidosis is Dhatugata Vikara which is caused due to accumulation of Ama (Toxins) in the Circulatory or Lymphatic system . This leads to imbalance in the immune system. This accumulation of ama in Srotas (Lymphatic channel or circulatory channels) is due to impaired Agani. This impaired Agani is caused because of  Aggravation of Kapha dosha. This makes the immune system weak and forms inflammatory lumps.

Treatment

To manage sarcoidosis, Ayurveda focuses on Balancing the dosha , boosting digestion and increasing vitality (Ojas).It can be managed by using herbal therapies and lifestyle management.

Lifestyle management

1. Intake of whole grain cereals, Oatmeals, fruits and vegetables.
2. Avoid Alcohol
3. Avoid refined food and sugar
4. Avoid heavy meals and oily food

Ayurvedic Herbs

1. Pippali
2. Yashtimadhu
3. Ashwagandha
4. Giloy
5. Neem
6. Arjuna

Panchakarma therapies

1. Swedana (Steam Therapy)
2. Virechana (Purgation)
3. Nasya (Nasal Therapy)

Herbal Remedies for Sarcoidosis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company. It has been dealing with chronic, complicated health issues. Their formulations are 100% pure, chemical free and are safe to use. All their formulations are prepared under supervision of MD (Ayurveda) scholars. They have some amazing combinations of herbs to cure disease. One of them is the Sarco care pack . This pack is a combination of some highly effective medicines.

Sarco care Pack

Product Description

1. Curcumin Capsules

This capsule is a standardised pure extract of  Haridra (Curcuma Longa). It is one of the best ancient Ayurvedic herbs. It is known for its Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant properties. It also helps to promote respiratory health and helps to reduce the risk of fibrosis in the lung by decreasing inflammation and oxidative damage.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water.

2 Kanchnaar Guggul

This tablet is pure extract of Kanchnar Bark (Bauhinia Variegata) , Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Haritki (Terminalia Chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellerica), Varuna Bark (Crataeva Religiosa), Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum), Guggul (Commiphora Mukul) etc. These combinations of herbs are beneficial in reducing lump or swelling as it has anti-inflammatory properties. It detoxifies and removes Ama (Toxins) out of the body. It is an immunomodulator and supports the lymphatic system ; it is very effective in conditions like sarcoidosis.

Dosage : 1-2 tablets two times a day with warm water.

3. Aller-G-Care

This Capsule is a standardised pure extract of Haridra (Curcuma Longa), Neem (Azadirachta Indica), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Shirish (Albizia Lebbeck). All these herbs support the immune system in conditions like Sarcoidosis. These herbs help in respiratory conditions. Most of these drugs have anti-inflammatory properties and improve immune system functions.

Dosage: 1-2 Capsule two times a day with water after meals

4. Punarnava Mandur

These tablets are pure extract of Punarnava (Boerhaavia Diffusa), Shunti (Zingiber Officinale), Pippali (Piper Nigrum), Chavya (Piper Chaba), Vidang (Embelia Ribes), Chitrak mool (Plumbago zeylanica) etc. These herbs help in lung support, it detoxifies the Ama (toxins), and it has antiinflammatory properties. Thus it is very helpful in conditions like Sarcoidosis.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets two times a day with warm water after a meal.

5. Chitrak haritaki

This herbal powder is pure extract of Chitrak (plumbago Zeylanica), maricha (Piper Nigrum), Ela (Elettaria Cardamomum), Yavakshara (Hordeum Vulgare), Shunthi(Zingiber Officinalis) etc. It is indicated in all types of respiratory disease. It is often to enhance digestion and it helps to remove toxins. All these herbs have antioxidant and Antiinflammatory properties so this formulation is very effective in Sarcoidosis.

Dosage: 1 tsp two times  day with warm water   

6. Vasasav

Vasasav is a classical syrup which is composed of many herbs such as Vasa (Adhatoda Vasica), Pippali (Piper Longum), Dalchini (Cinnamomum Zeylanica), Nagkesar (Mesua Ferrea), Dhatki Pushpa (Woodfordia Fruticosa) etc. It has antiinflammatory properties and it helps in conditions like congestion and excess mucus. It helps to manage respiratory conditions . so, it is very effective in sarcoidosis.

Dosage: 2-3 tsp two times a day in equal amount of water.

Conclusion

Sarcoidosis is a complicated disorder. Ayurvedic management for sarcoidosis focuses on balancing the body’s dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) , boosting Digestion and elimination of toxins (Ama). detoxification therapies like Panvhkarma and other lines of treatment like medications and Planet ayurveda’s sarco care pack are really effective in this condition.