Sarcoidosis (cont.)
Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. Medical Editor:
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACRDr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. IN THIS ARTICLE
Sarcoidosis TreatmentFortunately, many patients with sarcoidosis require no treatment. Symptoms, after all, are usually not disabling and do tend to disappear spontaneously. When therapy is recommended, the main goal is to keep the lungs and other affected body organs working and to relieve symptoms. The disease is considered inactive once the symptoms fade. Corticosteroid drugs remain the primary treatment for inflammation and granuloma formation. Prednisone is probably the corticosteroid most often prescribed today, but prednisolone is also used. The doctor's decision depends on the organ system involved and how far the inflammation has progressed. If the disease appears to be severe, especially in the lungs, eyes, heart, nervous system, spleen, or kidneys, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroids. There is no treatment at present to reverse the lung scarring (fibrosis) that might be present in advanced sarcoidosis. Next Page: Must Read Articles Related to Sarcoidosis
Fever in Adults
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 F or greater. A fever may be caused by a virus, bacteria, fungus, blood clot, tumor, drug, or the environment. Treatment ...learn more >>
Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
A solitary pulmonary nodule (SPN) is a single lung abnormality. Causes of a solitary pulmonary nodule include neoplastic growths, sarcomas, infectious agents, i...learn more >>
Viewer Comments & ReviewsSarcoidosis - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What were the symptoms of your sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis - Describe Your ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:Please describe your experience with sarcoidosis. |
Arthritis
Get the latest treatment options
From WebMD
Arthritis Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Featured Topics
Medical Dictionary
Pill Identifier on RxList
- quick, easy,
pill identification
Find a Local Pharmacy
- including 24 hour, pharmacies
