Post by Sarcoidawareness on Feb 24, 2007 22:06:01 GMT -5
There is no cure for sarcoidosis, but the disease may get better on its own over time. Many people with sarcoidosis have mild symptoms and do not require any treatment. Treatment, when it is needed, is given to reduce symptoms and to maintain the proper working order of the affected organs.
Treatments generally fall into two categories -- maintenance of good health practices and drug treatment. Good health practices include:
Getting regular check-ups with your health care provider
Eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables
Drinking 8 to 10, 8-ounce glasses of water a day
Getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night
Exercising regularly and managing and maintaining your weight
Quitting smoking
Drug treatments are used to relieve symptoms and reduce the inflammation of the affected tissues. The oral corticosteroid prednisone is the most commonly used treatment. Fatigue and persistent cough are usually improved with steroid treatment. If steroids are prescribed, you should see your doctor at regular intervals so that he or she can monitor the disease and the side effects of treatment. Other treatment options include methotrexate and Plaquenil and other drugs.
What Can Happen as the Disease Progresses?
In many people with sarcoidosis, the disease appears briefly and then disappears without the person even knowing they have the disease. Twenty to 30% of people have some permanent lung damage. For 10% to 15%, sarcoidosis is a chronic condition. In some people, the disease may result in the deterioration of the affected organ. Sarcoidosis can be fatal in 5% to 10% of patients.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases.
