What is Sarcoidosis? How Does it Affect Your Lungs?

Your doctor has diagnosed you with Sarcoidosis, now you need to know, what is Sarcoidosis? Since Sarcoidosis affects so many organs, this article will address how Sarcoidosis affects the lungs, the symptoms, and some practical advice.


What is Sarcoidosis as a disease?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory, auto-immune disease characterized by coughing, fatigues, difficulty in breathing, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and various other organs. Inflammation of Sarcoidosis produces tiny lumps of cells in various organs in your body called granulomas because they look like grains of sugar or sand. They are very small and can be seen only with a microscope.

What is Sarcoidosis of the Lung?

Sarcoidosis of the lungs is commonly called Pulmonary Sarcoidosis. The lungs are the most commonly affected organ in Sarcoidosis shown by the fact that 90% or more of people with Sarcoidosis have lung involvement, whether they have symptoms or not. Symptoms are most often dry coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, or pain with breathing chest pain, tightness, and discomfort as well as upper back pain.

In Sarcoidosis, 20% to 30% of patients suffer some permanent damage, usually to the lungs. Sarcoidosis can be quite severe and cause permanent debilitation. In about 5% to 10% of cases, it can even be life threatening.

Tests used to diagnose Pulmonary Sarcoidosis include:

• Biopsies. This is usually a lung or lymph node sample that allows the doctor to look for granulomas (done if there are abnormalities on your chest x-ray.

• Pulmonary Function. This test measures how well your lungs are working.

• Fiber Optic Bronchoscopy. Your doctor uses a scope to look inside your lungs for scarring and inflammation in your airways.

• Imaging Technology. X-ray images and a number of sophisticated imaging tools are available that can detect inflammation and disease in the lungs. Computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are probably the most commonly available of these technologies.

Treatment of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

Many people with Sarcoidosis will not require any treatment at all. Sarcoidosis is often mild and usually goes away on its own within several years without causing serious damage. However, in up to 30 percent of people, the disease lasts a long time or a lifetime. It can also worsen over time. Proper physician care is of the utmost importance.

If you have recently been diagnosed with Sarcoidosis you will soon come to realize that finding a doctor who understands sarcoidosis can be difficult. Most cases of Sarcoid are diagnosed by primary physicians, mines was recognized by my chiropractor and diagnosed by my rheumatologist, then there are many patients who try to seek the help of a sarcoidosis specialist which can be recommended by your primary physician or family doctor. However, if your doctor is unable to assist you, you can contact the nearest hospital or health center and ask for the department that cares for patients with sarcoidosis - you may even find a hospital with a center that specializes in Sarcoidosis.

Physicans That Specialize in the Treatment of Sarcoidosis

Pulmonologist -- a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disorders and breathing problems. This is the doctor most often seen by sarcoidosis patients because sarcoidosis affects the lungs in over 90% of patients.

Ophthalmologist -- a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of vision and eye disorders. Patients may see an ophthalmologist if their sarcoidosis affects their eyes.

Neurologist -- a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system (including the brain, nerves and spinal cord). Patients may see a neurologist if their sarcoidosis affects their brain and nervous system.

Dermatologist -- a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders. Patients may see a dermatologist for sarcoidosis of the skin.

Rheumatologist -- a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the joints, muscles and bones. Patients may see a rheumatologist if their sarcoidosis causes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other joint disorders.

Author: Theresa Christian is a Benefits Specialist with Ameriplan. They offer savings on all health care including specialist needed for the proper care of Autoimmune diseases such as Sarcoidosis with their Total Health Program. For information on saving 40-50% with their reduced medical programs, call Theresa at 347-558-2131 or visit http://www.theresapeter.info/

After many months of misdiagnosis and mistreatment, over 19 years ago, I was finally diagnosed with Sarcoidosis. That is the reason today I am an advocate for Sarcoidosis awareness. Until there is a cure, there has to be information and awareness. I've talked to so many people suffering from auto-immune diseases. My mission is to help people learn their disease, encourage them to know their body, and what's available for them.

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