Living With Sarcoidosis
People who are living with sarcoidosis should adopt a healthy lifestyle, and may want to join support groups for ideas on how to do this. In addition, regular follow-up care is important for people with sarcoidosis. How often you see your doctor and the tests used to monitor your sarcoidosis depend on your diagnosis and whether you have any symptoms.
You should take steps to stay healthy if you have sarcoidosis. For example, people living with this condition can do the following to maintain a healthier lifestyle:
- Don't smoke
- Avoid substances like dust and chemicals that can harm your lungs
- Try to follow a healthy eating plan
- Be as active as you can, but don't strain yourself.
Joining a sarcoidosis patient support group may help you adjust to living with the disease. Talking to others who have the same sarcoidosis symptoms can help you see how they have coped with them and give you ideas to try.
Your regular doctor may be able to make a sarcoidosis diagnosis and treat it, but diagnosis and treatment by a doctor who specializes in sarcoidosis is recommended.
If you prefer to see your regular doctor, you should see a doctor who specializes in the organs that are affected by your sarcoidosis at least once. For example, see an ophthalmologist if your eyes are affected or see a pulmonologist if you have sarcoidosis in your lungs. These specialists are often found at major medical centers. They will work with your regular doctor to help in diagnosing sarcoidosis, develop a sarcoidosis treatment plan, and schedule periodic exams and lab tests.