What is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition affecting multiple organs of the body. Specific finding of non-caseating granulomas on biopsy usually lead to confirmation of the diagnosis. The cause of sarcoidosis is not known - but could be related to environmental exposures, reaction to some bacteria or a genetic predisposition.
Sarcoidosis affects young/middle-aged adults. The organs involved may include: lymph nodes in chest, lungs, eyes, skin or other vital organs (heart, nervous system, liver etc.).
Up to half of patients have no symptoms when diagnosed. Those who do, can have general non-specific symptoms: tiredness, fever, weight loss, night sweats, chest and joint pain. More specific symptoms depending on the organ involved may be present: breathlessness, cough, wheeze (lung) / palpitations (heart) / skin rashes and nodules (skin).
The diagnosis is made based on a combination of compatible symptoms, certain patterns on chest imaging, ruling out other conditions, biopsy from an accessible organ (skin, lymph node etc.). Certain blood tests can support this diagnosis diagnosis (low lymphocytes / high ACE levels / high calcium). Other tests to evaluate organ involvement may also be done: ECG or 24-hour ECG monitor, urine tests, eye exam, ultrasound of the heart or liver, MRI scans, nerve conduction studies.
The prognosis can be variable, and many patients improve without treatment. However, treatment is required if there is vital organ involvement and progression (heart, nervous system, liver), when blood calcium levels are very high, or when the symptoms are unbearable.
Treatment is usually with antiinflammatory drugs (corticosteroids such as prednisolone) or a corticosteroid-sparing drug such as methotrexate, azathioprine, hydroxichlorquine. Treatment is usually for at least 12 months.
Sarcoidosis needs careful monitoring over time.
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Disclaimers:
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For all viewers/listeners:
The information presented here or in other videos and posts on this channel is not medical advice. These materials reflect general medical knowledge which may not apply to your individual case. If you have health concerns, please see your own doctor or other healthcare provider without delay.
For medical professionals:
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[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

I started another channel dedicated to lung fibrosis and Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) if you are interested: www.youtube.com/@InterstitialLungDisease

[@jaytruelove3226]

I am 58 years old in the Memphis, TN area (Collierville) and after a year of having two bronchoscopies and the pulmonologist coming to the realization that he doesn't know where to go in the future with my condition of the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis, he referred me to a specialist at Vanderbilt University. I didn't even realize I had the disease until I got Covid in December 2022 and my ability to breathe hit a wall. Ever since I got Covid my life has come to a standstill but before Covid I was asymptomatic and was living a healthy normal life. I played all sports in high school and even years after high school I considered myself healthy and never smoked a day in my life. Now I am on prednisone and mycophenolate mofetil along with infliximab infusion therapy. I am just praying that I will see some improvement with this therapy and that I can get my life back.

[@mrspaulb3889]

I live about 20 minutes from you and ditto to all of that. I’m currently in “remission” after fighting hard for about six years. I’m glad to have a break from the Prednisone, but I live in fear it will come back stronger than ever.

[@Galixy550]

Your story is very similar to mine. I had the COVID19 and after, I began coughing for 3 months nonstop and I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis. I have been on prednisolone for over a year. Weight loss, joint pain, night sweats, insomnia, urinating several times at night, fatigue, etc. It is a terrible disease.

[@MissChrissyM1]

I hope you get well soon I’m 65. Suffer with Burning, aching stiffness in Arms, legs, hands and feet For 20 years. Hashimoto and fibromyalgia Are my diagnoses. I’m homebound for 8 years. My husband does everything I can no longer do. I can’t cope with the Relentless burning 🔥 sore Legs. I only take gabapentin. I think I should be Examined for Sarcoidosis. Regards 🙋🏻‍♀️

[@gwhiz111]

@@Galixy550 Did you get the j ab? Asking because I have a friend who was forced to take it to keep his job…then came down w/ Sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis and pulmonary sarcoidosis are listed on pages 36 & 37 of the pf i zer adverse events report.

[@mgfunkera]

@@gwhiz111imma call bs on that. First off, cuz u call it the “jab.” Also, bc there’s been only one person in the billions of vaccines given who MAY have some correlation to Sarcoidosis. We’re suffering & don’t need this bs from ppl like u. Getting covid, on the other hand, has exasperated some of our Sarc to the point of becoming completely disabled.

[@jorgejuarez6203]

Thank you for this explanation. A good point left out is that a patient will have to see multiple physicians that start with a primary Dr, Pulmonologist, Cadiologist, Optomologist. This will ensure you get a complete diagnosis.

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

Good comment thank you

[@mrspaulb3889]

@@DrStefanCristianStanel i’m having a problem getting my team of specialists to work together. My PCP recently retired, and I miss him and his quarterbacking abilities. I have had to become my own advocate.

[@jesusortiz4589]

I just got this crazy for 3 60 days already

[@cherylcrosby3377]

thank you for this video i just i had a thoracic biopsy and was diagnosed with stage 2 sarcoidosis

[@jimbernardi3026]

I just had a thoracic biopsy 3 weeks ago and it came back sarcoidosis (they thought it was lymphoma at first). I don’t know the stage yet but I have an appointment with a pulmonologist to help me through all that. My main symptom was shortness of breath…

[@oussemadhaflaoui3641]

@@jimbernardi3026 same here, my diagnosis took a year to figure out because other disease and sarcoidosis coexisted and they thought it’s lymphoma at first after MRI scan and then after a biopsy turned out it’s not

[@sheilaruscetta7902]

@@jimbernardi3026 do you have lung nodule ? was it biopsied or was lymph nodes only? i had lymph nodes and a nodule lit up on pet scan , but they could only reach lymph nodes. this was 2 years ago. now they telling me they have robotic assistant to reach nodule. they watching my nodule. ugh.

[@mgfunkera]

Great video. Most of us don’t have the weight loss thing tho. Not in any of the groups I’m in, anyhow. I know it definitely happens for some people, but idk why it’s emphasized so heavy on every video & website that exists. This has been a debilitating disease for me & only gets worse as the years go on. Medication doesn’t help. Natural remedies don’t help. Exercise (as best as I can) & eating healthy don’t help. Feeling helpless and lonely, being in pain & exhausted all the time sucks.

[@toddsmith1617]

My sarcoidosis was found during a routine blood test. My calcium levels were high due to nodules in my lungs. Iam at stage 3 kidney disease due to high calcium levels.

[@lollypie100]

This was SO informative and so well explained in simple terms, thank you so much!

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

thanks for the feedback, glad it was easy to understand!

[@Letsvgetreal]

Perhaps start with Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies? Worth a try.

[@sangeetajha1678]

Great video, very informative.

[@italianfoodmadefromthehear8729]

I developed this in the lungs from being very close to the Burn Pits in Iraq for over a year

[@utagzmotoring]

How is it affecting you? I was diagnosed a few months ago. 3 years post deployment

[@salonijain2387]

I would like to thank you for making such a nice video. And explaining all the points briefly thank you very much. Much help. I just want to know the medication of sarcoidosis with few side effects as steroids are harmful for the body.

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

i have made a video on this topic kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKi5kmaqpbCej9U

[@sheilaruscetta7902]

Great video. Question, dx 2 years ago with Sarcoid thru Bronchoscope - they could only reach mediastinal lymph nodes for biopsy, they could not reach LLL nodule to biopsy. What are % that nodule is sarcoid VS. cancer? note: both areas lit up on Pet scan, that's why i had Bronchoscope procedure.

[@gracejm717]

Thank you Dr. Stefan, I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis of the skin. Is it true that people with sarcoidosis cannot take D3 supplements because I am really low on D3

[@loucontino4804]

I'm on the Medical Merry Go Round since May with a Bronchoscopy next week. One big nuisance.

[@mihaeladog7187]

You’ll get used to it after 10-15 yrs, welcome to the club . Enjoy life now bc it will get worst in time .

[@mgfunkera]

@@mihaeladog7187I know that’s right.

[@LLS875]

Please can you give more information on this affecting the liver as I have it.

[@Deeboutte]

I was diagnosed after stage 4 cancer. It’s in my spleen, lungs, eyes, and skin!

[@lyndawilliams4570]

Praying for you ❤

[@essilwilliams6207]

i was tested positive for dengue i got some panadol and anti biotic now the medication finish but now i am getting a serious burning in my foot what is the cause of that

[@christogerber7050]

Can you please do a video on pulmonary hyperinflation, I'm suffering from this since I had covid and was told I have covid lung or asthma. I mostly have excercise induced breathlessness, it feel like I am breathing through a straw.

[@CHELSEABuckhannon]

I hope you get better soon GOD bless you ❤

[@cookie-gb3xn]

I have upper lobe predominant fibrosis. According to the ct scan is similar to sarcoidosis. I'm currently on an atififrobic medication. Use oxgen only when i go to pulmonary rehab. Diagnosed after i caught covid delta in 2020.

[@anaghasreejan]

Does sarcoidosis cause blood clot??

[@yossi781]

Can sarcoidosis be accompanied with a high platelet count

[@jimbernardi3026]

I was just diagnosed 3 weeks ago and I have a very high platelet count.

[@Sdhanbir]

Does sarcoidosis cause the resting heart rate to increase?

[@guys6419]

Yes

[@walaaomar8198]

Dr Stephen. I have a question please Does improvement in symptoms of lung by using steroids consider confirmatory factor of sarcoidosis as i didn't make the biopsy as im scared of invasive intervention. Or do i have to make biopsy to exclude lung cancer

[@Family197-gc6je]

Don't do it try fasting

[@MarriedZayna]

I was diagnosed at 10 yrs old but I don’t have flare ups as an adult which is weird but I don’t want another lymph node removal… So I do have reactions but not sure if it’s from my sarcoidosis

[@Nisha-kl8rl]

It's reassuring to know that Planet Ayurveda's remedies are specifically tailored to address the complexities of sarcoidosis.

[@BruceDeTorres-h3j]

Is exercise advisable when you have sarcoidosis?

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

made this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q16whH-lht-ZpZI

[@MeaHeaR]

I dothé had áń EBUS/FNÁ to bé cônfirméđ Thiss 😲😲😲😨😨😨

[@Nisha-kl8rl]

Dealing with sarcoidosis can feel like an uphill battle, but with the support of Planet Ayurveda, their treatment and medicine are amazing. Their holistic approach promotes healing from within, providing hope and relief for individuals facing this condition.

[@vishalchaudhary-nf6gr]

Planet Ayurveda's Sarcoidosis medicine has truly been a game-changer for me! Feeling healthier and more energized every day