Sarcoidosis Care at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists

What is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a complex inflammatory disease of unknown cause. It most commonly affects the lungs but may involve any part of the body such as the heart, eyes, brain, skin, or bones. The disease varies widely among patients—some experience mild symptoms that resolve without treatment, while others develop progressive organ damage requiring long-term care.

In the lungs (pulmonary sarcoidosis), sarcoidosis may cause:

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest
• Small inflammatory nodules (granulomas) in lung tissue
• Fibrosis (scarring) in severe cases, leading to breathing difficulties

Because sarcoidosis can affect multiple body systems, a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment is essential.

Symptoms of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is often called the “great mimicker” because its symptoms overlap with many other diseases, making diagnosis challenging. For example, in Arizona, sarcoidosis is sometimes mistaken for Valley Fever, a fungal lung infection. A detailed evaluation by an experienced pulmonologist, like those at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, is necessary to ensure the correct diagnosis.

Common symptoms of sarcoidosis include:

• Persistent dry cough
• Shortness of breath (especially with exertion)
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue and unexplained weakness
• Fever and night sweats
• Weight loss without an obvious cause

Sarcoidosis can also cause symptoms in other organs, such as:

• Skin – Red or purple lumps or skin rashes
• Eyes – Dry eyes, redness, pain, or vision changes
• Heart – Irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting
• Neurological – Headaches, weakness, or numbness if the nervous system is affected

Diagnosing Sarcoidosis

Since sarcoidosis mimics many conditions, a thorough diagnostic process is required. At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, we use a combination of advanced imaging and specialized testing to confirm sarcoidosis. Our diagnostic tools include:

• Chest X-rays and high-resolution CT (HRCT) scans – Identify lung nodules and lymph node enlargement
• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) – Measure lung capacity and function
• Blood tests – Check for markers of inflammation and rule out infections like Valley Fever
• Bronchoscopy with biopsy – A minimally invasive procedure to collect lung tissue samples for microscopic examination
• Echocardiograms and MRI – Evaluate the heart for signs of cardiac sarcoidosis
• Eye exams – Detect sarcoid-related inflammation in the eyes

A biopsy of affected tissue (lung, skin, or lymph nodes) is often needed to confirm sarcoidosis and rule out other diseases.

Sarcoidosis Treatment

Treatment for sarcoidosis varies by patient, depending on symptom severity, organ involvement, and disease progression. Some patients will require aggressive therapy with medicines that suppress the immune system while others may just require periodic X-rays. Treatment options we explore with our patients include:

• Monitoring without treatment – If symptoms are mild and not progressing, regular check-ups and imaging may be sufficient.
• Corticosteroids – Medicines such as prednisone, which reduce inflammation and control symptoms, are often used if the disease is felt to be active or causes progressive symptoms.
• Immunosuppressive medications – For patients who cannot tolerate steroids or need additional treatment, medications like methotrexate, azathioprine, or infliximab may be used.
• Oxygen therapy – For those with significant lung involvement affecting oxygen levels
• Pulmonary rehabilitation – Helps improve lung function and quality of life

Because sarcoidosis can affect multiple organs, we often recommend:

• Annual eye exams to monitor for sarcoid-related eye disease
• Echocardiograms or cardiac MRIs if there are concerns about heart involvement

Sarcoidosis is not contagious, but it requires long-term monitoring to prevent complications.

Why Choose Arizona Pulmonary Specialists?

• Complex disease experts – Deep and diverse experience with the most common to the rarest lung conditions
• Dedication to diagnosis – Using the most advanced imaging, testing, and biopsy tools
• Multidisciplinary approach – Coordinated care with cardiologists, ophthalmologists, and neurologists if other organs are involved
• Caring, compassionate team – Focused on the best outcomes for each patient

Physicians Specializing in Sarcoidosis

The lung doctors at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of sarcoidosis. Our team of pulmonologists, nurses, and respiratory therapists is dedicated to providing expert, compassionate care for sarcoidosis patients.