Lung Condition: Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease that commonly occurs in the lungs, in which case it’s often referred to as pulmonary sarcoidosis. It’s caused by small areas of inflamed cells on parts of the lungs, causing them to become stiff and in some cases, not hold as much air as they should.

The cause of sarcoidosis is still unknown. However, it is more common in females than in males, and more often affects people between the ages of 20-40. The disorder is most common in African Americans and in Scandinavians.

Some patients who suffer from sarcoidosis experience no symptoms. In cases that do present symptoms, they can include:

When your healthcare provider tests you for sarcoidosis, they may perform a number of tests and procedures, including:

In some cases, your lung physician may have to perform a biopsy to diagnose pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Fortunately, sarcoidosis is imminently treatable. In many patients, the disorder goes away on its own. When treatment is necessary, it’s to relieve any symptoms that may present as well as restore full lung function. These treatment options may include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or other drugs.

If you are recovering from sarcoidosis, you should complete a course of treatment as recommended by your physician. You should also avoid irritants to the lungs and see your doctor for frequent check-ups to ensure a full recovery.