Treatments For Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis affects approximately 1,238,000 individuals throughout the world. In the United States alone, about 200,000 individuals have been diagnosed. Within a year of symptoms starting, nearly half of all patients go into remission. However, for up to fifteen percent of patients, the symptoms get considerably worse and can even be life-threatening. This inflammatory disease causes small bunches of inflammatory cells called granulomas to develop in the body’s organs.

While the lymph nodes and lungs are most often affected, just about any organ or body component can be involved. This is associated with the immune system essentially working in overdrive. Without treatment, patients may experience fibrosis which means their organ tissue becomes permanently scarred and thickened.

Medication

There are drug options doctors might prescribe when patients have threatened organ function or severe symptoms. Corticosteroids, often used before other medications, might be considered to reduce significant levels of inflammation. They may be taken orally when internal organs are especially inflamed, though topical versions are available if the patient has eye inflammation or skin lesions.

Immunosuppressants are another common choice because they work to suppress the immune system to lower the levels of inflammation in the body. TNF-alpha inhibitors are other medications that target inflammation, though these are often not considered unless immunosuppressants and corticosteroids do not benefit the patient. Lastly, doctors might recommend hydroxychloroquine to some patients, as it might be helpful if the patient has high calcium levels or certain skin issues associated with sarcoidosis.

Surgery

This condition can cause damage to the heart, lungs, and liver in some patients. If this happens, these patients might require organ transplant surgery. When this is needed, patients may receive an organ from a donor who died but is a match. A living donor may be considered for the liver if the patient can find a match, as the liver regenerates. This can be a lengthy process, but it is something all patients should think about just in case it becomes a reality for them.

Following this type of procedure, patients will need to take certain medications for the rest of their lives to ensure their body does not reject the new organ. Rejection is a possibility with all transplants, but when the donor and recipient are carefully matched, the risk of this is decreased. Anti-rejection medication also helps to reduce this potential complication further. Those who experience significant issues with these three organs should start working with their doctors as early as possible to be prepared.

Clinical Trials

Due to limited treatment options, there are often clinical trials available to patients who qualify. Those who are of adult age might qualify for a medication combination currently being tested, which includes Levaquin, azithromycin, ethambutol, and rifampin. This trial is targeted at those with progressive lung symptoms. Those who do not use nicotine products and are adults might qualify for a study looking to see if nicotine patches might be a way to treat this condition. It is important for patients to have no nicotine in their system, and it may also require no history of nicotine use to ensure the results are accurate.

A third study is for those aged eighteen or those who are NIH patients and at least sixteen. This research is aimed at looking for specific genes potentially associated with the lung issues of sarcoidosis. The hope is to target the genes and then find a treatment that can be targeted to alleviate the lung involvement with this disease.

Maintenance Of Good Health Practices

Regular exercise is important for patients because it may help to keep them active. A diverse diet that limits sugar, high-fat foods, and refined foods is also critical, and patients should strive to balance vegetables, lean meats, fruits, and whole grains instead. Due to the lung issues associated with sarcoidosis, it is important not to smoke as this can cause lung problems to progress faster. Patients should also avoid alcohol since sarcoidosis may increase the risk of liver damage.

This condition can take a toll on the mind as well, so it is often recommended for patients to create a support system. Having others to talk to and help when the physical symptoms are severe can be highly beneficial. Stress-reduction methods, such as meditation and yoga, may also help patients to remain in a more positive frame of mind. Practicing good hygiene, maintaining all doctor’s appointments, creating a good life-work balance, and other actions to maintain good health practices are also imperative to cope with sarcoidosis.

Alternative Treatments

Patients might be able to explore certain alternative treatments if they find the traditional treatment measures are not fully helping control their symptoms. It is possible for natural and traditional treatments to interact adversely, so the patient’s doctor should know about everything patients are using to benefit their health, even before they start something. Thus, inform your doctor of anything you might want to try in the realm of alternative treatment first.

Inflammation is the hallmark sarcoidosis, so herbs and supplements to alleviate it might be beneficial. Four are commonly recommended: fish oil, turmeric, bromelain, and cat’s claw. Patients should follow all dosage instructions exactly, and never take more than the label states. It is also important to only use high-quality supplements and herbs for the most benefit. For some patients, not using vitamin D or calcium supplements might help. They should talk to their doctor about this since these nutrients may build up in the body and cause additional complications.