Therapy of Sarcoidosis
A causal therapy for sarcoidosis, i.e. a therapy that eliminates the cause of the disease, unfortunately does not yet exist. Therefore, we try to limit and alleviate the symptoms of sarcoidosis as much as possible.In the case of Löfgren’s syndrome, this means, in particular, alleviating the pain caused by erythema nodosum and polyarthritis and thus also reducing the functional impairment associated with the pain. In addition, the therapy focuses on treating the general symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
Usually, therapy is started with drugs of the class of “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs”, these are drugs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, which have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. In many patients, however, such medication is not sufficient, so cortisone is often used. Cortisone should be used for as long as necessary to get the acute inflammation under control.
In the chronic form of sarcoidosis, the anti-inflammatory effect of cortisone is also used, and often immunosuppressive drugs are also used in long-term therapy. The role of vitamin D in the therapy of sarcoidosis is complex, as the exact relationship between the vitamin and the development of the disease is not yet ultimately understood. In any case, regular monitoring of vitamin D and calcium levels should be carried out by the doctor. An increased level of vitamin D can have a negative effect on the body and especially on kidney function in sarcoidosis. Therefore, any prophylaxis for osteoporosis with vitamin D and calcium that may be required must be discussed with a doctor.
Which doctor treats sarcoidosis?
Unfortunately, there is no specialist who is specifically responsible for the disease of sarcoidosis as such. Sarcoidosis is a systemic disease, which means that it affects or can affect the entire body. Therefore, it is often advisable to make the choice of doctor dependent on the symptoms.
If, for example, sarcoidosis is mainly conspicuous by symptoms of the lungs, a pneumologist, i.e. a lung specialist, can be consulted. Similarly, a dermatologist, i.e. a dermatologist, can be helpful in the case of skin infections. There are also individual centers in Germany that focus specifically on sarcoidosis. In addition, an ophthalmologist should always be consulted, as the eyes can often be affected by sarcoidosis.
