Sarcoidosis Awareness

What is sarcoidosis? Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that most frequently involves the lungs and lymph nodes, but can affect virtually any part of the body. Normally, our immune system defends our body against infections and other environmental dangers, but sarcoidosis is associated with abnormal activation of the immune system in the absence of an identifiable cause.

According to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, those in the United States most affected by sarcoidosis are between the ages of 20 and 40 and are typically either African American or of Scandinavian descent. Research also shows that women are more likely to have the disease.

Unfortunately, researchers still do not know what exactly causes sarcoidosis. Until scientists can determine these causes, more people must learn about the risk factors and symptoms of sarcoidosis, in order to diagnose and treat the disease.

To educate yourself more about sarcoidosis, please visit these useful websites:

• Sarcoidosis Health Topic
• Sarcoidosis Interactive Tutorial (Patient Education Institute)
• What Is Sarcoidosis? (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
• Sarcoidosis Fact Sheet (American Lung Association)
• Sarcoidosis (American Academy of Family Physicians)
• Talking to Your Doctor about Sarcoidosis (Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research)
• Find a Sarcoidosis Specialist (Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research)