I think I might have sarcoidosis. What should I do?
Because the signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis can resemble other diseases, the diagnosis of sarcoidosis can be difficult to make. The Sarcoidosis Program at BMC can help determine if you have the disease. Because it is a multidisciplinary Program, it can offer a comprehensive plan of care through a team of specialists who excel at treating the various organ systems that sarcoidosis can affect. Because the disease may disappear and reappear over a lifetime, the Sarcoidosis Program at BMC is committed to long-term, quality care and follow-up.
Is there a cure for sarcoidosis?
There is no cure for sarcoidosis, but the disease may get better on its own over time or with medication.
Is sarcoidosis cancer?
No, sarcoidosis is not a form of cancer, but it can be mistaken for cancer until proper diagnosis is attained.
Is sarcoidosis contagious?
No, it is not contagious. No one can catch the disease from you.
Is sarcoidosis a genetic disease? Will my children get it?
Within some families, the presence of sarcoidosis in a close relative has been shown to increase the chance of getting the disease. Multiple genes have been identified that affect the chances of getting sarcoidosis, and it is the combination of these genes that come together to influence the likelihood of getting sarcoidosis. Some of your genes will be passed to offspring, which may account for the elevated risk within families. Despite this, there is currently no screening test to identify who is at risk, and the likelihood of a family member getting the disease is still so low, that screening for sarcoidosis is not currently recommended.
Do I need to alter my diet in any way?
Not unless the sarcoidosis is causing high blood calcium levels. About 5% of people with sarcoidosis do have high blood calcium levels. For these patients, a reduction in intake of calcium rich foods (such as dairy products, oranges, broccoli, canned salmon, and collard greens), vitamins containing calcium, and vitamin D becomes necessary, as does avoiding excessive sun exposure.