Immune & Lymphatic System Disorders
The lymphatic system is a key part of the immune system, draining excess fluid from bodily tissues and organs and disseminating white blood cells to fight infection. The white blood cells fight infection in the spleen and special vessels throughout the body called lymph nodes. If your immune system becomes compromised, the lymphatic system wont be able to work properly, causing swelling from a buildup of fluid in parts of the body. Disorders of the lymphatic system include elephantiasis, a swelling of body parts caused by a filarial worm infestation, and lymphedema, a swelling in the arms or legs caused by lymph nodes or lymph vessels disturbed by surgery for breast or prostate cancer. Medication, massage therapy and compression garments can help.
Recently Answered
- Q What are the chances that my sarcoidosis will relapse?
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Approximately half of all people with sarcoidosis can expect to relapse at some point, even if symptoms resolve completely after the initial diagnosis, and 10 to 30 per cent of people may experience some form of chronic sarcoidosis. Your doctor may want... Full Answer
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- Q What lifestyle changes should I make if I have sarcoidosis?
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If you are diagnosed with severe or chronic sarcoidosis, it is advisable to manage your health as well as possible in order to speed recovery and manage symptoms. Ensure that you get plenty of exercise, and eat a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables,... Full Answer
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- Q How safe are treatments for sarcoidosis?
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Although many forms of treatment are successful in managing the symptoms of sarcoidosis, side effects are common and can be serious. If your doctor prescribes a course of medication to treat ongoing or severe symptoms, you will want to weigh the pros and... Full Answer
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- Q What increases my risk of developing sarcoidosis?
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Several known factors increase an individual's risk of contracting sarcoidosis. Black Americans are much more likely to develop sarcoidosis than any other racial group. Blacks also have a higher chance of experiencing more severe symptoms and... Full Answer
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- Q Does sarcoidosis affect children differently than adults?
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Sarcoidosis is sometimes diagnosed in children, although it is very rare. In children under four, the symptoms of sarcoidosis almost always include eye swelling, body rash, and joint swelling. In these cases, the effects of sarcoidosis are likely to be... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for sarcoidosis?
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There is no known medical cure for sarcoidosis. But in two out of three diagnosed cases, all symptoms disappear within a matter of months and rarely recur. Additionally, there are numerous treatment options available that have proven successful in... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat sarcoidosis?
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The medication most commonly used to treat sarcoidosis is a corticosteroid called prednisone. Corticosteroids work by mimicking the effect of natural hormones in the body that control inflammation. When administered, these drugs artificially suppress all... Full Answer
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- Q How is neuro-sarcoidosis treated?
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Doctors treat neuro-sarcoidosis with corticosteroids, which suppress the immune system and reduce swelling. Full Answer
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- Q How can sarcoidosis affect pregnancy?
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Sarcoidosis in a mother does not normally present any threat to a developing fetus, and in most cases a woman will be able to deliver a healthy baby with minimal complications. If you have sarcoidosis and are pregnant or trying to become pregnant,... Full Answer
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- Q Is sarcoidosis contagious?
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Although the exact cause or causes of sarcoidosis have not yet been determined, it is not contagious. It is currently believed that sarcoidosis is most likely caused by a pre-existing disorder of the immune system. You cannot catch sarcoidosis from... Full Answer
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