Sarcoidosis is a condition in which clusters of cells build up in areas of the body, such as the skin, lungs, eyes, and joints. These clusters are called granulomas. Often sarcoidosis is not serious and goes away on its own. However, in some cases the disease is chronic and causes damage to organs. Up to 30 percent of people with sarcoidosis suffer lung damage. In some cases, sarcoidosis leads to death. The cause of the condition is not clear, but doctors and scientists believe genetics, the immune system, and the environment are involved.

Genetic Predisposition.

Sarcoidosis occurs more often in people of African American and Northern European descent. In fact, African Americans are three and a half times more likely to get sarcoidosis than other ethnic groups. There is also some evidence that 14 percent of cases of sarcoidosis are familial, or hereditary. This suggests the condition may have something to do with a person’s genetics.

Immune System Triggered by Environment.

Other evidence suggests that sarcoidosis is an immune system response to an environmental trigger. Under normal circumstances, the body’s immune system protects it against attacking bacteria and viruses. Inflammation happens as a natural part of the immune system process. However, when a person has sarcoidosis, the inflammation does not resolve. Instead, it creates granulomas.

Some scientists believe that sarcoidosis is actually caused by a combination of genetics and the immune system being triggered by an environmental factor. In other words, when a person who has the genetic makeup for sarcoidosis encounters an environmental factor, like a virus, the immune system is triggered into the improper response that causes granulomas to form. The environmental factor that triggers the immune system can vary based on a person’s genetics.

Risk Factors.

Although scientists haven’t quite figured out the cause of sarcoidosis yet, certain risk factors have been identified. Some of the risk factors for sarcoidosis are:

• Gender: Women are at a slightly greater risk than men for developing sarcoidosis.
• Age: Sarcoidosis usually develops between the ages of 20 and 40.
• Family History: Having a family member with sarcoidosis puts a person at higher risk.
• Ethnicity: African Americans are at a higher risk for sarcoidosis and may experience more severe cases of the condition, including lung complications.

If the older adult in your life has chronic sarcoidosis, hiring a senior care provider through an in-home care agency could help. A senior care provider can remind the senior to take medications prescribed by their doctor to control sarcoidosis symptoms. They can also assist with tasks that the senior may be unable to do because of complications of the disease, such as light housework and cooking.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Gainesville, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoidosis/symptoms-causes/dxc-20177970

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sarc/causes

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sarc/atrisk

http://www.webmd.com/lung/understanding-sarcoidosis-basics

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647608/

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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