How to Prevent Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an immune system disorder characterized by small inflammatory lumps. Currently, this condition affects tens of thousands of people in the United States. While common amongst young adults, a person can be diagnosed with sarcoidosis in their later years. There isn’t a known cause of this immune system disorder. However, there are ways to manage the disease and prevent flare-ups.

Things You'll Need

• Pulmonologist (lung specialist)
• Steroid medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Stay away from cigarette smoke. Sarcoidosis can attack any body organ, especially the lungs, eye and kidneys. Since the disorder commonly affects the lungs, people who live with sarcoidosis should stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.

• 2

  Schedule regular appointments with a lung doctor. A great way to prevent a sarcoidosis flare-up is to see a pulmonologist on a regular basis – every six months or once a year. These doctors perform chest x-rays and they look for telltale signs of a flare-up.

• 3

  Take medication as directed by a doctor. Medication isn’t necessary during remission periods. However, if a doctor suspects a flare-up, they’ll likely prescribe a steroid medication like prednisone. Taking the medication can stop a flare-up in its tracks.

• 4

  Notify the doctor of any new symptoms. This immune system disorder can go in and out of remission. Common signs of a relapse or flare-up include ongoing coughing, unusual fatigue and blurry vision. Rather than ignore these symptoms, call the doctor immediately.

• 5

  Learn a few relaxation techniques. A few individuals who suffer ongoing flare-ups attribute the relapse to stress and anxiety. To prevent a flare-up, eliminate stress. This may necessitate taking some drastic measures such as finding a new job or lightening your load.