{"id":9380,"date":"2019-08-18T11:01:09","date_gmt":"2019-08-18T11:01:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9380"},"modified":"2021-06-21T19:52:59","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T19:52:59","slug":"15-usual-causes-of-sarcoidosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-usual-causes-of-sarcoidosis\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Usual Causes of Sarcoidosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sarcoidosis is a disease that leads to the growth of granulomas which are inflammatory cells. They will often form in clusters referred to as collections. In most cases, these granulomas will form in either the lymph nodes, lungs, or both. That being said, it can actually affect a wide variety of locations in and on your body. These include the skin, eyes, heart, nervous system, and various other organs. Doctors haven\u2019t been able to find a cure for sarcoidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, most patients with sarcoidosis are able to live normal lives with only minor treatment. Some patients have even been able to go without any treatment at all. Still, sarcoidosis generally lasts for years on end and can result in damage to various organs. If you\u2019re hoping to identify the disease, then here are eight things that are commonly cited as causes for sarcoidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sarcoidosis <\/a>can actually occur regardless of age. That being said, while patients of any age might be affected, there are certain age groups that are at a higher risk of developing sarcoidosis. These patients are often no younger than 20 yet not older than 60 years of age. This makes sarcoidosis the opposite of an opportunistic disease as those types of diseases often target the elderly as well as children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sarcoidosis, on the other hand, shies away from children and older adults while focusing on those who would be considered at the peak of human health. Some doctors have suggested that this may be due to the fact that their immune systems are more active and thus the formation of granulomas is more likely. In contrast, children are still developing an immune system and the elderly have a weaker one that has been fatigued from decades of fighting off disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Race<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Race can also be a major factor in determining a patient\u2019s risk level with regard to the development of sarcoidosis. Those who have African heritage are more likely to suffer from sarcoidosis at some point in their life. That being said, there\u2019s no need to call sarcoidosis a racist disease, unlike some other conditions that target those with African blood exclusively as people with Northern European descent are also at a higher risk for the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It appears as though Asians and other ethnicities are safer when it comes to sarcoidosis, though the reason remains unclear but is possibly due to a genetic mutation<\/a>. African-American sarcoidosis patients have a higher likelihood of the sarcoidosis spreading to other areas of their body in addition to the lungs and thus could be in greater danger when facing the disease in comparison to other ethnicities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Hereditary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There has also been evidence that sarcoidosis is hereditary<\/a> and that the genes are passed down through generations. This is why knowing your family history is so essential. If one of the members within your family has suffered from sarcoidosis then you could be at a higher risk for developing the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The risk is amplified if multiple people in your lineage have suffered from the disease as this increases the likelihood that it is, in fact, a genetic issue being carried along by the bloodline of your family. The easiest way to get the medical history for your family would be to go to the local hospital and request all the relevant records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could also ask your parents or grandparents to compile a list of all the ailments that family members have dealt with over the years. Knowing your family history can save your life, and that\u2019s not an exaggeration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Tattoos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tattoos aren\u2019t directly responsible for the development of sarcoidosis, at least, as far as we can tell. That being said, they do increase the severity of the symptoms caused by cutaneous sarcoidosis \u2014 i.e. sarcoidosis of the skin<\/a>. Patients who suffer from cutaneous sarcoidosis will find various nodules forming under their skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These nodules tend to clump around tattoos. For years, doctors were baffled as to why the nodules would always form around tattoos. Finally, the correlation was made that it\u2019s a result of the pigment used in the tattooing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nodules will form around tattoo pigments for red, black, and blue ink \u2014 though it\u2019s worth noting that the nodules seem to be indifferent to green ink. If you have sarcoidosis or know that you\u2019re in a high-risk group for it whether via age, race, sex, or genetics then you should avoid getting tattoos especially on visible areas such as the face to avoid the development of these nodules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Scar tissue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Much like with tattoos, it would appear as though the nodules <\/a>seen in cases of cutaneous sarcoidosis tend to form around areas with scar tissue. Women are at a higher risk of developing sarcoidosis. They\u2019re also far more likely to develop breast cancer in comparison to men \u2014 with the incidence rate being 1 in 8 for women and 1 in 1000 for men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following a mastectomy, scar tissue may form in the area where the breasts used to be. This scar tissue could be a prime spot for the nodules caused by cutaneous sarcoidosis and thus women who have had a mastectomy should consult with their doctor immediately if they notice any symptoms characteristic of the condition. Amputees could also be at risk for the formation of these nodules developing in the site of the amputation. Any scar tissue could pose these risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. NSAIDs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The term NSAIDs is an abbreviation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory<\/a> drugs. They are often used to treat arthritis, tendonitis, and other inflammatory diseases. That being said, the long-term use of them can lead to the formation of one symptom associated with sarcoidosis \u2014 edema. Various studies have shown a direct correlation between the development of edema and the long-term use of NSAIDs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, many patients still use NSAIDs to relieve the pain and inflammation associated with sarcoidosis. Others have taken to a new route with cannabidiol as it holds natural anti-inflammatory properties yet appears to have lower or no risk of causing edema.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, the CBD industry is still relatively young and as such there aren\u2019t any conclusive studies yet confirming the veracity of these claims yet. That being said, if you have sarcoidosis and want to try CBD out then there\u2019s not much to lose as the compound is legal and non-psychoactive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Etanercept<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Etanercept <\/a>is a medication that is often sold under the brand name Enbrel or Benepali. It\u2019s used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. That being said, some studies have shown a correlation between treatments involving the use of etanercept and the emergence \u2014 or even re-emergence \u2014 of pulmonary sarcoidosis. In fact, there was one patient, a woman who was 35 years of age, who had a long history of sarcoidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She was actually in remission despite being on no treatment. Unfortunately, she was struck by inflammatory back pain that wasn\u2019t relieved through the use of NSAIDs. That being the case, the physicians attending to her made the call to prescribe 50 mg of etanercept subcutaneously on a weekly basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her back pain was reduced over time. That being said, she came down with a dry cough and blurred vision after only three weeks of starting the etanercept treatment. She was then diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Triggers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The exact cause of sarcoidosis has never been confirmed. The risk factors have been well-studied, but the actual etiology is yet to be determined. That being said, some experts have proposed the possibility that sarcoidosis develops as the result of the immune system <\/a>responding to an unidentified substance. There have been a few studies looking into these claims. Some have found that dust is the substance to blame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Others, however, found a closer correlation between chemicals and infectious agents. One particularly interesting study suggested that the immune system may be having an atypical reaction to the proteins in the body. They have stated that this very reaction may be what leads to the development of granulomas provided that the patient has a genetic predisposition to sarcoidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Agricultural Activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even though the exact cause of what makes sarcoidosis happen isn\u2019t known yet, there is a lot of research done in order to help determine different risk factors and what might increase the likelihood of developing the condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An increasing number of research studies have attempted to get behind what could cause sarcoidosis and what might increase the risk of developing it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of these studies have so far pointed to certain careers and industries as more high-risk ones for sarcoidosis development. One such industry that has been identified as a higher sarcoidosis <\/a>risk includes agriculture, where workers are regularly exposed to various pesticides, chemicals and other materials that could trigger the condition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While more research still needs to be done in order to figure out why anyone in the field of agriculture should be aware of risks that could be associated with their career choice and what can be done about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Exposure to Certain Industrial Metals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The common expression \u201cmad as a hatter\u201d actually has a basis in fact, and it has its origins in descriptions of hat-makers, who often used hazardous substances during the manufacturing process during a time where people weren\u2019t fully aware of the associated health risks. Working with the contaminated substances would cause any number of different health issues in those who had to do it, which made them appear \u201cmad\u201d several hundred years ago. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In almost the same way, exposure to certain types of metals and materials involved in their refinement could be associated with an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis. While a lot more research still needs to be conducted to find out what all of the possible risks could be, working in close proximity with beryllium <\/a>(where fumes might be inhaled) for a long time could up your risk considerably, and might even trigger the condition in the first place.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Construction Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Where sarcoidosis isn\u2019t caused by possible hereditary factors, more research points to the theory that exposure to certain environmental factors might be part of the potential cause. Other than the chemicals someone might be exposed to in the agriculture industry, they might also be exposed to other potential risk factors in the area of construction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silica <\/a>is a substance that some research has managed to link to instances of sarcoidosis. It\u2019s not just miners who might be exposed to the material, but also people on the other end of the production line: Construction workers (and anyone close enough to a construction site) can be exposed to silica dust and other contaminants that are known to trigger sarcoidosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone who works with chemicals, contaminants, raw metals or fine dust should realize the associated health risks that could come with it and take the necessary precautions to reduce their risks. Protective gear is required for good reason.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Mold-Contaminated Environments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An increasing amount of scientific research links the presence of certain types of the mold together with instances of sarcoidosis. More research needs to be done in order to establish a completely concrete scientific connection between the two, however it\u2019s so far believed that any environments high in these types of mold will lead to an increased sarcoidosis risk by anyone exposed to it \u2013 especially long-term. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These contaminated <\/a>environments can include any place where mold is allowed to grow, whether it\u2019s your own home\u2019s roof or the basement of an apartment building or hospital.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exposure to mold can trigger a range of different health conditions including sarcoidosis, but also including allergies, lung infections, general infections and asthma attacks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are likely to be exposed will include anywhere in or near the building where these contaminants are present. Mold can hide away in very unlikely places where the problem has the chance to spread. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Damaged and Condemned Buildings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Damaged, condemned and poorly constructed buildings can have a long list of pollutants associated with them \u2013 and many of these substances and chemicals<\/a> can increase your risk of developing sarcoidosis.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several ways in which you might be exposed to the contaminants present in damaged or contaminated buildings: Dust has the ability to travel through the air where buildings are damaged in storms or demolished. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Construction workers and inspectors might encounter condemned buildings as part of their career. Some people might even seek shelter in damaged or condemned buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also plenty of apartment buildings that might hold unseen issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these can lead to an increased risk of health (and often safety) concerns, including an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Closed-air Office Environments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Environments that are frequented by a lot of people should always have an adequate flow of air throughout the room \u2013 but far too often, they don\u2019t. This leads to what\u2019s known as \u201cstale air\u201d, where the air can become progressively more contaminated \u2013 and less oxygen-rich \u2013 as time goes on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long-term exposure to an environment without adequate air-flow (particularly in older buildings) is likely to increase your risk of exposure to what\u2019s in the air. Spending too much time in these environments isn\u2019t good for anyone\u2019s health, and could be disastrous if you already have compromised immunity<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can increase your risk of contracting flu and other related viruses that spread through the air, but research shows that it might also increase your risk of sarcoidosis in the event of certain trigger-environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within environments like these, the best thing you can do is to increase your immune system \u2013 or petition for someone to open the windows or install air conditioning \u2013 to reduce your risk of contracting anything that might spread through the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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