Sarcoidosis, or just sarcoid, is a systemic disease 鈥�- affecting potentially every tissue in the body, in聽a way we don鈥檛 totally understand. The hallmark of sarcoid is the granuloma, a collection of cells similar to those the body uses to fight off infections. But the underlying cause of sarcoid is unknown.
The lungs, skin and eyes are the organs most commonly affected by sarcoid. Not everybody with sarcoid needs to be treated. In general, the more abrupt the onset, the greater the likelihood that the disease will go away. Some cases may show up on an X-ray without symptoms. Other cases can cause severe lung and joint disease.
Steroids like prednisone are the most common treatment. Most cases will resolve with time, but a few people need long-term treatment. Pulmonary doctors are experts in treating sarcoidosis.
More details are available at stopsarcoidosis.org.
Dear Dr. Roach: My son is being treated for bipolar, anxiety and depression. His weight has increased so much that it causes him even more depression. Is there a solution?
D.P.
While psychiatric disorders can cause weight gain, the more likely issue is that one or more of your son鈥檚 medications is making him gain weight. Many of the medications have weight gain as a side effect; in some cases, the weight gain can be dramatic.
There is no simple solution. The psychiatrist must work to find medications that are less likely to cause weight gain. In some cases, your son may be prescribed additional medicines to combat the weight gain.
