Sarcoidosis is often treated with the help of a team of health care professionals. Because the disease can affect so many organs, you may work with health care providers who specialize in the treatment of the lungs, heart, brain, kidneys, liver, eyes, and skin. At specialized medical centers, these health care providers work as a team to develop a complete treatment plan to control your symptoms and protect your overall health. No matter what symptoms you may have, you will likely have breathing tests, an electrocardiogram, blood tests, and an eye examination to find possible problems.
These medications work in different ways and can have different side effects. It is important to tell your provider if you feel different after starting a new medication. It is also important to get your scheduled lab work completed on time.
These can improve symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, eye irritation, skin rashes, and joint pain. These medications can have side effects, such as weight gain, sleeplessness, thinning of the bones, and sometimes vision changes. They may also cause high blood pressure and diabetes. You may be treated with these medications for a period of time. As your symptoms improve, your physician may tell you to take less.
Other medications, such as those used to treat malaria and arthritis, may help manage your sarcoidosis. All of these medications may have side effects and require close monitoring and changes by your physician. Work with your provider to determine whether these medications are right for you.
You may have symptoms that interfere with your daily routine. It is important to find a specialist who has experience with sarcoidosis. It can also be helpful to find a community or support group of others with sarcoidosis. People with sarcoidosis can have very different symptoms from each other. Many people with sarcoidosis have breathing problems, but after treatment starts, symptoms may improve over several months.
If sarcoidosis affects more than one organ, you may need longer treatment or combinations of medication. If your eyes are affected, you need to see an eye specialist to keep from losing your vision. Always talk to your provider about any new or worsening symptoms you experience. With good treatment and follow-up, your symptoms may improve, and you can feel better.
If you have sarcoidosis, work with providers and specialists in different areas of health care to manage your disease and symptoms. Often starting a new medication can come with new side effects.
Make sure you talk about your side effects with your provider. Because many of these medication side effects go away after you adjust to the medication, your provider may ask you to keep taking the medication to see if your sarcoidosis improves. If your symptoms last a long time even with medication and you cannot take part in daily activities, make sure to tell your provider. Depression and anxiety can affect people with any illness, including sarcoidosis. Tell your provider if you have these feelings.
Treatment for anxiety and depression may actually make your sarcoidosis treatment more effective. Living with sarcoidosis requires help from your health care providers, your family, and your friends. Several national and regional organizations may be able to help you find answers. The Lung Association recommends patients and caregivers join the Living with Lung Disease Support Community to connect with others diagnosed with this disease.
Making notes before your visit, as well as taking along a trusted family member or friend, can help you through the first appointment with your provider. The following are questions you can ask your provider to better understand this disease. Some of these questions do not apply to all people with sarcoidosis. Some are hard to answer in one visit and may take more time to answer. A good working relationship with a provider who understands your disease is the beginning of finding solutions to living with sarcoidosis.
Work with your health care team to live a healthy life you enjoy. About Sarcoidosis Key facts about Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis causes your immune system to overreact, which can cause health issues.
Sarcoidosis often improves without treatment. Sarcoidosis occurs more often in African Americans than in whites, and African Americans may experience more severe symptoms. Some people appear to have a genetic predisposition to develop the disease, which may be triggered by bacteria, viruses, dust or chemicals. This triggers an overreaction of your immune system, and immune cells begin to collect in a pattern of inflammation called granulomas.
As granulomas build up in an organ, the function of that organ can be affected. Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced.
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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Sarcoidosis is a disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells granulomas in any part of your body — most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. Jim: I was in the hospital again and this time, it was open-heart surgery.
Jim: It was discovered at that time that I had sarcoidosis. Diana: You're going to have to go to the Mayo Clinic. Diana: The treatment, the doctors, the teamwork was unbelievable. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Sarcoidosis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Nov. Rochester, Minn. Merck Manual Professional Version. Raevis JJ, et al.
Ocular involvement in sarcoidosis. Journal of Rheumatology. Froehlich W, et al. Cardiac sarcoidosis. Ferri FF. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor If you need help finding a primary care doctor or dermatologist, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
Learn more: ACE level test ». However, symptoms often improve without treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medications if your inflammation is severe. These can include corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications medications that suppress your immune system , which can both help reduce inflammation. The length of any treatment will vary.
Some people take medication for one to two years. Other people may need to be on medication for much longer. However, sarcoidosis can become a chronic, or long-term, condition. Other potential complications may include:. In rare cases, sarcoidosis causes severe heart and lung damage. If this occurs, you may need immunosuppressive medications.
Your doctor may recommend that you see an optometrist or ophthalmologist because this disease can affect your eyes without causing immediate symptoms.
The outlook is generally good for people with sarcoidosis. Many people live relatively healthy, active lives. Symptoms often improve with or without treatment in about two years.
In some cases, however, sarcoidosis can become a long-term condition. If you have trouble coping, you can talk to a psychotherapist or join a sarcoidosis support group. The ACE level test measures the amount of angiotensin converting enzyme in the blood. Learn why the test is performed, how to prepare, and what to….
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