If I think I might have sarcoidosis, what should I look for in selecting a doctor or treatment center?
Because the signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis can resemble other diseases, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be difficult to make. Therefore, it would be wise to seek out a doctor and/or treatment center with a declared interest in and expertise in sarcoidosis diagnosis and treatment. Also, because the disease can affect multiple organs, the treatment center selected should be capable of providing a comprehensive plan of care through a team of specialists. Finally, because the disease may disappear and reappear over a lifetime, the health care provider selected should be one that is committed to a lifetime of quality care and follow-up.
Is there a cure for sarcoidosis?
There is no cure for sarcoidosis, but the disease may get better on its own over time or with drug therapy. Drug treatments are used to relieve symptoms, reduce the inflammation of the affected tissues, reduce the impact of granuloma development, and may prevent the develop-ment of lung fibrosis or other irreversible organ damage.
Is sarcoidosis a type of cancer?
Sarcoidosis is not a form of cancer.
Can my family get sarcoidosis from me?
Sarcoidosis is not contagious so your friends and family members won’t catch the disease from you.
Is sarcoidosis a genetic disease? Will my children get it?
Within some individual families, the presence of sarcoidosis in a first- or second-degree relative has been shown to increase the chance of getting the disease by nearly five-fold. So there is some evidence that the disease can be transmitted to your children, but more research is needed on this topic.
Why does sarcoidosis affect African-Americans more often than other races or ethnic groups?
In addition to African-Americans – and African-American women in particular – sarcoidosis most commonly occurs in people of Scandinavian, German, Irish, and Puerto Rican descent. No one knows why. Researchers are still investigating the role that genetics or hereditary factors may play in disease development.
Is sarcoidosis more common in certain areas in the United States?
Sarcoidosis appears to be more common in the south and southeast, but why this is so remains unknown at the present time.
Is sarcoidosis more prevalent among people of certain occupations?
In the United States, a higher percentage of cases of sarcoidosis have been reported in health care workers, naval aircraft servicemen, and firefighters. Whether or not these people are exposed to certain common chemicals or have other environmental commonalities remains unknown. Another explanation simply might be that people in these occupations receive more regularly scheduled health screenings than people in other occupations, which increases the odds that the disease--if they have it--is identified. Also, people who work in the processing of beryllium (used in heat resistant materials) are susceptible to a disease indistinguishable from sarcoidosis.
Will sarcoidosis affect my pregnancy?
Sarcoidosis should not interfere with your pregnancy or affect your unborn baby. Many womens symptoms improve while they are pregnant because the body produces a higher level of its own corticosteroids. Your doctor may order a chest x-ray about 3 months after delivery to check for disease recurrence.
Is my skin rash contagious?
No. The rash may not look pretty, but it cannot be passed to others through touch or other means.
Can sarcoidosis develop into asthma or emphysema?
Although sarcoidosis commonly affects the lungs and can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough, sarcoidosis does not cause emphysema nor does it develop into asthma.
Do I have to get rid of my pets if I have sarcoidosis?
Not at all. You do not have to get rid of your family cat, dog, horse, or other pet if you have sarcoidosis.
Do I need to restrict my level of exercise?
There’s no need to restrict your activities simply because you have sarcoidosis. If you become out of breath, stop and rest, but there is no reason to stop participation in athletic activities.
Do I need to alter my diet in any way?
Not unless the sarcoidosis is causing high blood calcium levels. About 1 in 10 people with sarcoidosis do have high blood calcium levels. If this is the case for you, you’ll need to reduce your intake of calcium rich foods (such as dairy products, oranges, canned salmon with bones), vitamins containing calcium, vitamin D, and excessive sun exposure (eg, sunbathing) should be avoided.
Will drinking alcoholic beverages affect my disease?
Moderate social drinking has no effect on sarcoidosis.
Will sarcoidosis affect my sex life?
Men with sarcoidosis that affects the nervous or endocrine systems might experience erectile dysfunction, but this is rare.
What are the side effects of treatment with corticosteroids?
Common side effects of corticosteroids include excessive weight gain, insomnia, acne, diabetes in susceptible people, high blood pressure, glaucoma, cataracts, osteoporosis, depression and emotional irritability, skin bruising, and increased risk of infections. Your doctor will discuss the side effects of corticosteroids and all drug treatments with you.
I was recently diagnosed with sarcoidosis. What’s my outlook?
Most people with sarcoidosis live normal lives. About 60 percent of people with sarcoidosis recover on their own without any treatment, 30 percent suffer permanent damage to one or more organs or tissues, and up to 10 percent with progressive long-standing disease have serious damage to organs or tissues that can be fatal.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor is the best resource for finding out important information related to your particular case. Not all patients with sarcoidosis are alike, and it is important that someone who knows you as a whole person evaluates your situation. Because sarcoidosis can affect different organ systems and can change over time, it is important for patients with sarcoidosis to see their doctors at regularly scheduled intervals.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 12/4/2006...#11866
