Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that involves the formation of granulomas (Lumps or nodules) in the organs. Granulomas are the structures which are formed due to abnormal reaction of the immune system where our immune system perceives some internal non-harmful cells or tissues as foreign but unable to eliminate them out thus inflammatory changes take place and an abnormal growth like structure is formed, a nodule or lump. In other words, granulomas are a collection of immune cells known as macrophages. There are some other diseases that occur due to the formation of granulomas such as tuberculosis, leprosy. This disease may affect any part of the body but especially affects lungs, skin and lymph nodes. Basically in this disease inflamed tissues are formed inside the organs like in eyes, heart, etc. As a result, these organs are affected structurally as well as functionally thus they are unable to perform their normal activities and functions in the body.
As per Ayurveda, Sarcoidosis is a Kapha and pitta dosha predominant disease. But that doesn't mean vata dosha is not involved, as vata is the prime dosha that leads to vitiation of the other two doshas in our body (pitta and kapha).
Reference - Sushruta Samhita / Sharirsthana / Chapter no. 9 / Shloka no. 12
The meaning of Shloka goes as – The moola sthana (the root of origin) of pranavaha srotas are heart and blood vessels. Any vitiation of these organs leads to anger or anxiety, loss of consciousness, delirium, tremors and even death.
Overall the conclusion is that if the vitiation is at a severe level it may lead to death. And as we know still all the systems of medicines are really struggling hard to evaluate the best treatment. The ancient system of medicine "AYURVEDA" is a good option to be adopted in case of chronic and autoimmune diseases as the line of treatment is focused on the root cause as well as with the help of natural herbs which are safe to use. Before discussing the treatment let us take a glance over the disease.
WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF SARCOIDOSIS?
The cause of sarcoidosis is still unknown but scholars considered that impaired immune system is the main cause of this disease and there are some factors that are responsible for this disease.
- Immune System – Our immune system is responsible to trap the invaders and destroy them by phagocytosis. So impaired or weakened immune system is the main culprit for the formation of granulomas. Even some hypothesis has directly given evidence of autoimmune involvement. So, it’s pretty clear that the immune system is the main cause of this disease.
- Genetic predisposition – It is more likely to develop sarcoidosis in individuals who had a parental history of the disease.
- Diet and Lifestyle – Our improper and unwholesome diet and lifestyle are responsible for impairing the functions of immune system.
- Infections – Some of the infectious agents are associated with sarcoidosis but there is none specific one.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms of this disease vary depending upon the underlying tissues or the organ involved. For example –
If the respiratory system is involved person may present with the symptoms like –
- Dry cough
- Dyspnea
- Pain the chest
- Associated with abnormal sounds, mostly the wheezing.
Lungs are the most common organ which is involved in the sarcoidosis.
If the cardiovascular system is involved
- Dyspnea
- Chest pain
- Arrhythmia (Irregular heartbeat)
If the lymphatic system is involved
- Swollen and tender lymph nodes
- Recurrent infections
If the integumentary system is involved
- Reddish patches or nodule formation on the skin
- Inflamed and tender skin
- Discoloration of the skin
- Associated with itching and hair loss
If the locomotory system is involved
- Arthritis
- Swollen and tender joints
- Problems related to mobility
If the nervous system is involved
- The person may have seizures, headache, vertigo, and hearing loss
If the eyes are involved
- Dry and itchy eyes
- Impaired vision
- Uveitis
- Sometimes associated with pain, burning sensation and discharge.
And some general symptoms are
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
DIAGNOSIS OF SARCOIDOSIS
As discussed earlier there is formation of granuloma in this disease but they are also present in some other diseases so it is really difficult to confirm the diagnosis. However, in sarcoidosis, the granulomas are without necrosis and are surrounded by concentric scar tissue (fibrosis). The investigations that are helpful to rule out the disease are given below but still, there is no specific test for sarcoidosis.
- Blood investigations
- X-ray and ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI
- PET scan
- Fine – needle aspiration
- Endoscopy
- Biopsy
- Some serum markers for sarcoidosis - Serum amyloid A, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, lysozyme, glycoprotein KL-6and angiotensin-converting enzyme.
TREATMENT
Planet Ayurveda offers the best treatment of Sarcoidosis throughout the world with its aim to perish the disease completely from its root cause. The treatment protocol involves resolving the growth, eliminating the toxins, eradicating the infectious agents, restoring the normal structure and function of the cells thereby organs.
For this "Planet Ayurveda" has come up with the combination of herbal formulations that are pure, natural, are free from additives and has no side effects. The specially formed pack called "SARCO CARE PACK" is an effective combination that will resolve the disease and also prevents the complications, the medicines are -
- Punarnava Mandur
- Curcumin Capsules
- Aller-G Care Capsules
- Kanchnaar Guggul
Sarco Care Pack
1. Punarnava Mandur
It is an effective combination of herbs such as punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), shunthi (Zingiber officinale), pippali (Pipper longum), vidanga (Embelia ribes), trivrit (Operculina turpethum), etc. As sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease we need to take measures to eliminate inflammation. Punarnava is a diuretic that will eliminate the extra accumulated fluid and toxins from the body hence resolve granulomas. And other herbs also have sarak action on our body thus eliminates the toxins from the body and restores the normal functions of the body.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water, after meals.
2. Curcumin Capsules
These capsules are the pure extract of herb haridra (Curcuma longa). Curcumin has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, thus fight against the infectious agents and perish the culture of microorganisms. Even it prevents the spread of infections.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water, after meals.
3. Aller-G Care Capsules
Aller-G care capsules of Planet Ayurveda consist of standardized extracts of herbs such as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shirish (Albizia lebbeck), neem (Azadirachita indica), haridra (Curcuma longa), etc. They help in supporting the immune system. All the functions of the lymphatic system and immune system are restored and maintained by these capsules. Basically, this remedy is nectar in stimulating and correcting the functions of immune system.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with plain water, after meals.
4. Kanchnaar Guggul
A wonderful formulation that has the potency to resolve Sarcoid granulomas without creating any complications is kanchnaar guggul. This preparation contains kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata) and guggul (Commiphora mukul) as the active ingredients and also contains triphala, trikatu, varuna (Crataeva nurvala), etc. This medicine also resolves the residual scarring. Moreover, it restricts the proliferation of granulomas.
Dosage: 2 tablets thrice daily with plain water, after meals.
