About this topic
Sarcoidosis causes abnormal cells to form in the body. These clumps of cells are called granulomas. Sometimes, many granulomas form together. This can cause swelling. Then, your organs may not work the right way. Often times, they are found in the lungs. Then, you may have trouble breathing. Granulomas can form in many other organs and parts of the body too. These are places like the liver, lymph nodes, skin, and eyes. ‚
There is no cure for this problem. Many times the problem goes away on its own. Your doctor may give you drugs to treat your signs. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Eat a healthy diet.
- If you smoke, stop smoking.
- Avoid contact with dust, fumes, chemicals, or other substances that could harm your lungs.
- Limit alcohol intake.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with swelling
- Shrink the size of the granulomas
- Weaken the immune system
- Treat other signs
Will physical activity be limited?
Your activity will not be limited unless you have more serious signs. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Lung problems
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Glaucoma or loss of eyesight (rare)
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
There is no way to prevent sarcoidosis. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Heart palpitations
- Changes to eyesight
- Worsening joint or bone pain
- Unusual weight loss
- Worsening depression
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
See your eye doctor for regular checkups. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may happen if many granulomas form together.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing, more bone or joint pain, or weight loss.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Sarcoidosis ‚
Canadian Lung Association ‚
http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/a-z/Sarcoidosis-Sarcoidose/index_e.php ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sarc/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/215/viewAbstract ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sarcoidosis/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚