Sarcoidosis FREE

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease without a known cause and without a cure. It occurs in individuals throughout the world. Sarcoidosis usually affects the lungs, causing granulomas (inflammatory nodules). However, it can affect other organs, including the heart, liver, lymph nodes, skin, and eyes. Its symptoms vary depending on the areas of the body affected. Sometimes sarcoidosis is found incidentally, such as when a chest x-ray is taken for another reason. There are many theories about the cause of sarcoidosis, including environmental exposure, a genetic (inherited) tendency to develop sarcoidosis, viral infection, immune system overactivity, or a combination of these factors. Treatment is based on an individual's symptoms and the degree to which involved organs are affected.

The November 1, 2006, issue of JAMA includes an article about sarcoidosis.

Treatment is based on the severity of sarcoidosis and its symptoms. Sometimes no treatment is necessary because the disease may have minimal symptoms or none at all or may improve on its own. Prednisone, an oral form of steroid, is usually the first treatment offered. Because steroids have adverse effects, the smallest possible dose is used. Some individuals cannot tolerate the side effects of steroids, which can include high blood pressure, weight gain, thinning of the skin, osteoporosis (thin bones), and elevated blood sugar. Other medications may be prescribed, including medications that suppress the immune system and that decrease inflammation. If other organs are involved besides the lungs, medicines to treat those damaged organs may be required. Making healthy lifestyle choices, including not smoking and maintaining a healthful diet, is an important component of living with sarcoidosis.

To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish. A Patient Page on living with sarcoidosis was published in the March 13, 2002, issue.

Sources: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Lung Association

Photograph reproduced with permission from Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. To purchase bulk reprints, call 203/259-8724.

TOPIC: LUNG DISEASES