Sarcoidosis: Seek Answers, Inspire Results

The COPD Foundation is supporting the work of the CHEST Foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians' Seek Answers. Inspire Results campaign to encourage people living with sarcoidosis to take a proactive role in their treatment plan. The disease affects 200,000 Americans and we want our community to be aware of their risk.

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ in the body. It occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts resulting in the formation of granulomas, microscopic clumps of inflammatory cells. When too many of these clumps form in an organ they can interfere with how that organ functions. The cause of sarcoidosis is currently unknown, and a person may experience an array of unrelated symptoms, such as:

Fatigue
Weight Loss
Cough
Headache
Rash

Sarcoidosis can affect almost any organ in the body, including:

Heart
Endocrine system
Lungs
Kidneys
Muscles
Skin
Liver

There are many tests and techniques doctors can use to diagnose sarcoidosis. Medications and healthy living can help patients deal with many of the symptoms. If you suspect you may have sarcoidosis, download The Sarcoid 5 that contains a list of questions to start your conversation with your doctor.

7 Comments

You need to login to comment.

Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain

There was a Sarcoidosis/Alpha-1 study a few years ago that I participated in. Anyone heard any results from that?
Reply
- Ken Benson-California Lung Health Advocate and State Captain
  
  I think it was called the GRADS study.
  
  Reply
Delphine

I'm new to this site (since yesterday) and am encouraged by what I'm learning! What is the relationship between copd and sarcoidosis, if any? Are people with copd more likely to develop sarcoidosis? I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis by a surgical lung biopsy in 2005. Treated w/6 mos. of prednisone. It was at this time that I began seeing a pulmonologist and tests showed I had "mild" copd. It's not "mild" anymore, that's for sure. (I'm 73.)
I'm very interested in all things having to do with living healthy with copd. I don't know my way around the site very well yet and appreciate all suggestions. (I do know about pulmonary rehab. Very similar to cardiac rehab - at least at my hospital.)
Thanks!

Reply
- Karen Deitemeyer - Florida State Captain
  
  Welcome, Delphine - I can't answer your question, but I did want to point you to the information that you'll find at the "What is COPD" and "Learn More" links at the top of this page. You can also look for various discussions by going to the "Question and Answer" link that you'll find in the drop-down menu, and then you can also search for a specific subject by entering your search term in the search bar to the upper right. I'm glad that you found us and look forward to your participation.
  Reply
Delphine

Thanks, Karen - will do.
Reply
SSP

I was diagnosed with Sarcoidosis in 1983. I was on prednisoneoff and on until 1986, when I developed more symptoms not usually identified with Sarcoidosis, but I had all the symptoms of Sarcoidosis. I was sent to another physician who at that point put me in the hospital because of my weight loss and inability to eat. Long story short, it urned out that I had Whipple's Disease and was put on high power antibiotics - IV for a month in the hospital, and 11 months at home. It turns out there may be some sort of connection between them. Early Whipple's tests like Sarcoidosis with a biopsy. Back then they didn't know what they do now. As with any disease, push to make sure every stone is unturned. Now I am and will always wonder how much of all that I went through in the 80's is still being discovered.

Reply
- sickboy
  
  How are you doing these days?
  Reply