Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis
What is sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the lungs and breathing, although any organ in the body may be involved. Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine specialists at University of Michigan Health has developed a dedicated team to comprehensively treat sarcoidosis patients with all severities of disease, using a multidisciplinary approach to care for the whole person.
Sarcoidosis is an interstitial lung disease, which is a large group of lung disorders that affect the tissues of the lungs and generally cause lung scarring. Inflammation from sarcoidosis can lead to scarring, or thickening of the walls of the lungs, making it difficult to move oxygen into (and carbon dioxide out of) the bloodstream.
Sarcoidosis Fast Facts
- In those who are diagnosed with sarcoidosis, almost two-thirds will get better on their own (or with medication) over 1-2 years.
- The lungs are affected by sarcoidosis more than 90% of the time, likely because it’s thought to be triggered by inhaling some unknown irritant. There is also a genetic predisposition to developing sarcoidosis.
- Once lung scarring occurs, it generally can’t be reversed.
- There is higher prevalence in the U.S. African-American population than in Caucasians. Women are affected slightly more commonly than men.
- There is an increase in the number of cases being diagnosed; however, the disease is still considered a rare disorder.
Our Approach
Our team of physicians diagnoses and treats each patient individually, which is especially important with a disease such as sarcoidosis where multiple organs can be affected. We collaborate with physicians from many disciplines, including Rheumatology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, Nephrology (kidney), Gastroenterology, Hematology, Neurology, and Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialists). Clinicians collaborate to determine the appropriate approach to take for each person. It’s a true team effort.
Appointment Information
To schedule an appointment to be evaluated for sarcoidosis, call us at 888-287-1084.
What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?
Symptoms of sarcoidosis vary widely depending on the organs involved:
- In the lungs: persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath (these are the most common symptoms of the disease)
- In the skin: rashes, skin discoloration
- In the brain: Bell’s palsy, numbness, or tingling in the arm or leg
- In the eye: blurry vision, painful red eyes
- In the bone: bone pain
- In the bone marrow: fatigue, anemia
- In the heart: abnormal heart rhythm (can cause sudden death)
How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?
To diagnose sarcoidosis, we collect a thorough history and conduct a comprehensive physical exam. Blood tests are ordered to determine various organ involvement. We will review your past medical records and, if available, prior biopsy slides and imaging studies.
If there is concern that sarcoidosis could be affecting other organs, specific exams may be ordered, such as an MRI to check for inflammation in the brain. Sarcoidosis is most often identified on chest x-ray or CT scan. Often, an x-ray will reveal enlarged lymph nodes in the chest. Occasionally, there will also be changes that look like pneumonia in the lungs that do not clear up after a course of antibiotics.
Diagnosis is confirmed when there is biopsy proof of granulomas—small lumps that appear in the affected tissues—along with exclusion of anything else that can cause granulomas, such as fungal infections, bacterial infections, lymphoma, or vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).
How is sarcoidosis treated?
For the majority of patients, sarcoidosis is a mild disease that often does not require therapy. For those patients who do require treatment, steroids are the most commonly used, although other immunosuppressants may also be used. Most treatment is handled on an outpatient basis.
If there is severe enough lung damage, a lung transplant may be considered.
How can you care for yourself when you have sarcoidosis?
- If you take medicine, take it exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Do not smoke. Smoking can make sarcoidosis worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
- Avoid dust, smoke, and fumes. They can harm your lungs.
- Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- If your doctor recommends it, get more exercise. Walking is a good choice. Bit by bit, increase the amount you walk every day. Try for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. You also may want to swim, bike, or do other activities.
Locations
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Pulmonary Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
Entrance 1, Level 2
Brighton, MI 48116-9416Get Directions -
Pulmonary Clinic | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
Floor 3 Reception C
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5361Get Directions -
Pulmonary Clinic | West Ann Arbor Health Center-Parkland Plaza 380 Parkland Plaza Ste 210
Floor 2
Ann Arbor, MI 48103-6201Get Directions
Doctors
Elizabeth Anne Belloli, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine
David Noel O'Dwyer, MB BCH BAO, PhD
Associate Professor
Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine
Jamie Sue Votava Sheth, MD
Clinical Assistant Professor
Pulmonary Diseases, Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine
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