What is The Best Treatment for Sarcoidosis?

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition resulting from the inflammation of specific types of tissues present in the body. This disease can affect any part or organ of the body however the commonly affected organs are lymph nodes, skin or lungs. Causation behind the disease remains unknown and can be diagnosed by proper medical history, physical examination, and chest X-ray. In this article, we will be learning all about Sarcoidosis and its herbal management and treatment.

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is a disease causing inflammation in various organs of the body but lungs and lymph nodes (glands) usually remain the primary site. Presence of abnormal nodules or masses which consist of inflamed tissues in various parts of the body are one of the main findings of sarcoidosis. These abnormal granulomas make alternation in the function and structure of the affected parts or organs in the body resulting in various troublesome signs and symptoms. This disease can have a very mischievous behavior as the complaints sometimes appear and then disappear suddenly or it can appear gradually, complaints coming on and off for the whole life of the patient.

When granulomas are produced in various organs then either it resolves on its own or treatment is not required but if it remains then can cause scarring of the tissues with passing time. Scarring or fibrosis is a permanent damage to the organ and can result in loss of its function.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms vary as per the affected organ, however some of them are

• Dry cough which is persistent in nature
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Vision is blurred and eyes appear red and teary
• Pain and swelling on joints
• Painful and red patches on the skin
• Lymph nodes are tender and enlarged especially those in armpits, neck and groin region
• Sac-like abnormal growth in hands and feet causing pain
•  Voice becomes hoarse
• Lymph glands around lungs and in chest becomes enlarged

There can be other symptoms as well depending on the organs which are affected

Causes

The exact cause behind sarcoidosis remains unknown. Also there are no such predisposing factors for this disease. However the immune system of the body plays a vital role in its causation as in the people affected with sarcoidosis the heightened immune response is seen towards the not so harmful foreign substances. How it spread from one organ to another is still undergoing research.

Diagnosis

As there are ample symptoms present in this disease hence a single test is not sufficient to diagnose it. After proper medical history, and physical examination there are certain test which are advised

• Chest X –ray
• Pulmonary function test
• Bronchoscopy
• High resolution CT scan

Treatment of Sarcoidosis

The conventional treatment given in Sarcoidosis is not specific and sure as the disease is considered to be incurable. Hence the management is done to reduce the symptoms. Certain corticosteroids are given which do have many side effects as well.

Ayurveda is an alternative system of medicine that has a long history of serving suffering humanity through the natural mode. Mother Nature has given us numerous herbs and compounds that have therapeutic action on the human body and Ayurveda has curated it and used for treating various chronic and acute ailments in a very gentle and safe way.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a very well-known name in the field of Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals. It deals in the production of herbal medicines and products, further which are used for the treatment of the patients by well qualified and experienced doctors. Planet Ayurveda’s medicines and products are being used today in several parts of the world. Each product manufactured here is free from preservatives, chemicals, dye, additives, colors, yeast and fillers, making them more safe and effective. For Sarcoidosis also Planet Ayurveda offers a group of herbal remedies named as “Sarco Care Pack” which contains all the herbs that helps in covering the complaints and restoring the function of the organ to certain extent.

Product list

Sarco Care Pack

1. Curcumin capsule
2. Kanchnaar guggul
3. Aller-G Care
4. Punarnava mandur

Product Description

1. Curcumin capsule

The standardized extract of curcuminoids (active compound of turmeric) Haridra- Curcuma longa is used to prepare these herbal capsules. Curcumin capsules possess amazing therapeutic properties which help in treating inflammation and preventing the scarring of the tissues. It also has immune modulating properties that help in correcting the response of the immune system.

Dosage– Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water

2. Kanchnaar guggul

Medicinal compounds like Kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata) and Guggul (Commiphora mukul) are used in the formulation of Kanchnaar guggul tablets. These Ayurvedic tablets help in destroying and eliminating inflammatory granulomas from the body and also help in managing the scarring of the tissues.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

3. Aller G- Care

Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Shirish (Albizia lubbock), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) are the herbs used in Aller-G care capsules. These capsules help in modulating the abnormal immune response, prevent formation of inflammatory granulomas and also help in treating different types of infections and allergies.

Dosage– Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Punarnava mandur

This is classical Ayurvedic preparation which helps in removing toxins from the blood, relieves inflammation, helps in treating painful and swollen joints and has antioxidant action on the body. Several herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) etc are used for preparing Punarnava mandur tablets.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets thrice daily after meals with plain water

Conclusion

Sarcoidosis, being a chronic disease not only affects a person physically but cripples him mentally as well. If left untreated or maltreated this inflammatory disease can prove to be fatal, hence it is very important to diagnose it timely and adopt a better mode of treatment. The herbal remedies mentioned have helped numerous patients throughout the world to fight against this disease and overcome it gradually.