Sarcoidosis of the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes is a systemic inflammatory disease. In this case, physicians still can not finally determine the cause of its occurrence. The disease is manifested by the formation of clusters of infected cells - granulomas (nodes). The main place of concentration is considered to be the lungs. Despite this disease often passes to other parts of the body. In most cases, people under 40 years of age. Earlier, the disease was called Bek-Bene-Schaumann's disease - in honor of specialists who studied it.
Classification of sarcoidosis of the lungs and lymph nodes
X-ray photographs are used to determine the stage of the disease. There are three stages of the disease:
- The initial lymphoid-free form. With it there is a bilateral increase in lymph nodes. These can be bronchopulmonary, tracheobronchial, paratracheal or bifurcation.
- Mediastinal-pulmonary. It proceeds by dissemination and infiltration of tissues within the respiratory organs. Damage to the intrathoracic lymph nodes.
- Pulmonary form. It is manifested by fibrosis. Thus lymphonoduses do not increase. During the development of the disease, conglomerates are formed. Against the background progressing emphysema and pneumosclerosis.
Symptoms of sarcoidosis of the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes
The disease is accompanied by such symptoms:
- malaise;
- general weakness;
- fast fatiguability;
- poor appetite;
- loss of body weight;
- fever;
- sleep disturbance;
- excessive sweating.
At the initial stages of development, the disease can have an asymptomatic course. In some cases, there are chest pains, discomfort in the joints, weakness and fever. With the help of percussion (tapping) is diagnosed an increase in pulmonary roots.
Then the ailment grows into a form, when there is a cough, shortness of breath and severe pain in the chest. At the examination, rattles are heard. Extrapulmonary symptoms become apparent: damage to the skin, organs of vision, neighboring lymph nodes, salivary glands and bones. The pulmonary form is manifested by severe shortness of breath, a wet cough and with almost permanent chest pains. Common symptoms only worsen, as heart failure, severe forms of emphysema and pneumosclerosis are added to them.
Causes of sarcoidosis of the lungs and lymph nodes
Experts have not yet been able to establish any causes of the onset of the disease. Despite this, it is precisely known that one can not get infected from someone. It follows that the disease is not contagious. Some experts suggest that sarcoidosis occurs as a result of exposure to certain bacteria, pollen, metals and fungi on the human body. At the same time, the majority are confident that the disease is the result of several factors at once. Genetic theories are also confirmed, which are supported by multiple instances of education within the same family.
Treatment of sarcoidosis of the lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes
Treatment is prescribed when a severe progressive form of the disease is detected, with lesions of the intrathoracic nodes or lung tissue. The specialist prescribes a course of taking steroid and anti-inflammatory drugs, which can last up to eight months - it depends on the stage. Antioxidants and immunosuppressants are additionally prescribed.
At the beginning of treatment, the patient is registered. In the case of severe form in medical institutions, it will be necessary to appear up to five years. This is done, if necessary, to determine the repeated active development of the disease.