Sarcoidosis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Sarcoidosis is a condition that results in inflammation (swelling) of tissues and organs of the body. With sarcoidosis, granulomas (lumps) appear in the lungs, skin, lymph nodes, or eyes. Granulomas may appear when your body is fighting off certain infections. Normally, granulomas decrease in number and disappear after fighting harmful germs and substances. In sarcoidosis, granulomas increase in size and number, and cause problems in areas where they grow. With sarcoidosis, granulomas are most often seen in the lungs or lymph nodes. It is thought that sarcoidosis may be caused by problems in the immune system, such as an autoimmune disease. The immune system is your body's defense system against infections and diseases. Frequently being around chemicals or having family members who also have the disease may increase the risk of having sarcoidosis.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis may come and go. You may have signs and symptoms for a time, then they will get better, and start up again. These may include weight loss, weakness, fever, fatigue (getting tired easily), and skin lesions. You may also have chest pain, trouble breathing or thinking, coughing up blood, and painful swelling of muscles and joints. You need an x-ray, computerized tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biopsy, and blood tests to diagnose sarcoidosis. Treatment aims to decrease the swelling of granulomas and prevent their increase in number. Your caregiver may give you medicines, such as steroids, cytotoxics, and pain medicines, to decrease signs and symptoms. He may have to do surgery to remove granulomas causing problems inside your body. Diagnosing and treating sarcoidosis as soon as possible may relieve your symptoms and help you keep doing your usual activities.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Acetaminophen: This medicine is used to decrease pain and lower a high body temperature (fever). Taking too much acetaminophen can hurt your liver. Read labels so that you know the active ingredients in each medicine that you take. Talk to your caregiver before taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen. Ask your caregiver before taking over-the-counter medicine if you are also taking pain medicine prescribed (ordered) for you.
  
  
• Cytotoxic medicines: These medicines may decrease redness, pain, and swelling, and help your immune system to fight off disease.
  
  
• Heart medicines: Your caregiver may give anti-arrhythmics to help your heart beat correctly again.
  
  
• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine may decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have a bad headache and pain in your neck.
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have pain, redness, and swelling in your muscles and joints.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You cannot make it to your next appointment.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or medicines.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You cannot feel your arms or legs, and they become weak.
  
  
• You have seizures (convulsions).
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• You have trouble thinking and remembering things.
  
  
• You have very bad pain in your chest.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Sarcoidosis (Aftercare Instructions)