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. Get familiar with sarcoidosis treatments now.

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.

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