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| First and foremost, it is important to realize that Sarcoidosis is not a contagious disesase. You cannot catch Sarcoidosis from someone who has it, nor can you transmit it to another individual. ************************************************************ It is important for family members, friends and care givers for patients with Sarcoidosis, to understand that this disease, although not very well known, is not rare. Most sarcoidosis patients are not even aware they have it. A person being treated for this illness will be getting a cocktail of prescription drugs, depending on it's stage. Most patients will go through a lot of fatigue. These persons, as we have found out through our support groups, are often percieved to be just lazy. Let me assure you that more than half of us really want to carry our own weight. Sarcoidosis, along with the medications, will make you sluggish, weak and you will just want to rest. It is crucial for you to get around. Don't over do, but you have to maintain muscle tone or they will go weak. It is to our well being that our friends, family and care givers understand that we are not lazy, and for you, the patient, to recognize " You're not crazy, it's Sarcoidosis." Cause The cause of Sarcoidosis is still unknown. It was once thought to be a form of tuberculosis, but this is now known not to be the case. Most evidence suggests that sarcoidosis represents a reaction of the body to some as of yet unidenytified enviromental agent or agents. Viruses have been implicated, but definite proof is lacking. It is possible that people with sarcoidosis have a disorder of their immune mechanism that makes them susceptible to the disease. In such situation, it is postulated that the inhalation of some environmental agent stimulates the immune system to produce an inflamatory response as an attempt to rid the body of this inhaled triggering factor. This immune reaction in the tissues is responsible for creating the inflamatory nodules which characterize the condition known as Sarcoidosis. Although Sarcoidosis is characterized by the presence of nodular swellings in the involved tissues, there is noevidence to sugest that it is malignant disease. Never the less, the inflamatory nodules of Sarcoidosis can interfere with normal functioning of the involved tissues and organs. HOPE THIS HAS HELPED. LUIGGIE SARCOID CONNECTION |