Sarcoidosis is described as a “rare condition” by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a division of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Yet, there are around 200,000 people in the United States who are currently affected by the disease. Though the severity of the disease can vary, if your aging relative is impacted by sarcoidosis, knowing more about it can help you to be a more effective caregiver.

What is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes the body to develop granulomas in various parts of the body. Granulomas are clusters of inflammatory cells. They most often form in the lungs, eyes, skin, and lymph nodes.

In some cases, sarcoidosis has only a minor effect. It may not even require treatment. However, for others, the disease can be more severe. They may suffer from it for years and it can also cause damage to major organs.

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but several risk factors have been identified. Risk factors are things that make a person more likely to get the condition. Some of the risk factors for sarcoidosis are:

• Age: People of any age can develop the disease, but it is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
• Gender: Women get sarcoidosis more often than men do.
• Race: African-Americans get sarcoidosis more often than Caucasians. The disease is also more likely to be severe in African-Americans.
• Family History: Having a relative with sarcoidosis increases the likelihood of developing it.

Sarcoidosis Symptoms.

The symptoms of sarcoidosis depend on the part of the body that is affected by the disease. They can appear gradually or happen very suddenly. In some cases, people with sarcoidosis don’t have any symptoms, but the disease is found when tests for other conditions are performed, such as x-rays.

General symptoms of sarcoidosis include:

• Fever.
• Fatigue.
• Weight loss.
• Swelling in the lymph nodes.

Long-Term Problems.

For some people, sarcoidosis results in long-term health issues that can be difficult to deal with. Some of the things that can happen, depending on where sarcoidosis strikes, are:

• Scarring in the lungs that makes it hard to breathe.
• Vision problems, including blindness.
• Problems with processing calcium, which can cause kidney failure.
• Irregular heartbeat and other heart problems.

If your aging relative has sarcoidosis or long-term issues caused by sarcoidosis, elderly care can assist them to live a better quality of life and stay as healthy as possible. Elderly care providers can cook healthy, balanced meals to ensure they get the nutrients they need. Elderly care providers can also assist with tasks that might be difficult because of health problems, including cleaning, laundry, and running errands.

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 elderly care in Cumming, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350358

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sarcoidosis

https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/what-is-sarcoidosis/

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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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