Chronic Sarcoidosis

If you have been diagnosed with Sarcoidosis it is important that you take good care of yourself. Eat healthy foods and do not engage in high risk behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol or drug use. It is also important that you get plenty of exercise. By doing these things you will give your body the ammunition it needs to ward off the symptoms of Sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple major organs in your body. It can affect the lungs, brain, skin and heart. There will be times when this disease will cause no symptoms at all. However, there will be times when the symptoms of Sarcoidosis will be debilitating.

Sarcoidosis has no cure. It is up to you to take the steps needed to manage your disease. Ongoing care is important to reduce symptoms and side effects. Symptoms of Sarcoidosis may occur at any time. This disease can progressively worsen without you noticing it.

The frequency of your doctor visits will be determined by what organs are affected by this disease. If your lungs are affected, your doctor may order routine tests to keep an eye on your lung functions.

Living with a chronic disease can take a toll on your emotional health. It is very important that you discuss any emotional issues such as depression or anxiety with your doctor. It is a good idea to join a support group to help you cope with the many feelings and emotions you will have. Do your best to talk with family and other loved ones about what you are going through and ask for their support.

Women may be concerned about having a healthy baby. However, many women will give birth to healthy baby. If a woman has severe Sarcoidosis, she may have trouble getting pregnant. There have been cases in which the Sarcoidosis has become worse after the birth of a baby.

If you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy it is important that you talk to your doctor right away. A woman that has Sarcoidosis will need to have good prenatal care and frequent checkups to monitor the progression of the pregnancy.

Even though Sarcoidosis has no cure, the symptoms can be managed with the right medications. The first line of medications in the treatment of this disease is corticosteroids. These steroids may be administered in a number of ways. The effectiveness of this treatment should be carefully evaluated by your doctor.

There are cases in which the corticosteroids do not work. In these cases, other medications must be used. Certain cancer drugs work well in managing Sarcoidosis symptoms. These cancer fighting medicines are given in a much smaller dose than what is usually prescribed for cancer.

Living with chronic Sarcoidosis is possible if you take good care of yourself. Follow your doctor’s plan of treatment and pay attention to your body so that you can detect any changes in the way you feel.

RESOURCES

Cleveland Clinic: Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis, Vasculitis and Diffuse Lung Disease: Leflunomide for Chronic Sarcoidosis

European Respiratory Monograph: Rare Manifestation of Sarcoidosis

American Lung Association: Understanding Sarcoidosis