When popular comedian and actor Bernie Mac died at age 50 in 2008, it was disclosed that the cause of death was complications from sarcoidosis. His death raised awareness about this rare, multisystem disease, that can be fatal. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, patients diagnosed with sarcoidosis are encouraged to be extra vigilant to avoid contracting the virus as this pre-existing condition would place them in a high-risk category for severe illness.
According to chestnet.org, here are some facts regarding sarcoidosis:
- It is an inflammatory disease that can affect almost any organ.
- It is an inflammatory disease wherein the immune system is in overdrive.
- Sarcoidosis causes cells to group together into clumps called “granulomas.”
- It is not known what causes sarcoidosis.
- It is estimated that over 200,000 with sarcoidosis living in the U.S.
- Sarcoidosis can affect any age, but 70% of patients are between the ages of 20 and 40.
- In more than half of cases, sarcoidosis only lasts for 12 to 36 months and resolves without treatment.
- With good medical care, most cases of sarcoidosis are not severe and so not cause lasting damage to the body.
- The most common symptoms of sarcoidosis are shortness of breath and chronic cough.
- It is most common in African-American and people of Northern European, specifically Scandinavian descent.
- It is slightly more common in women than in men.
To speak with a healthcare provider at Primary Medical Care Center & Urgent Care Clinic to assess any non-emergency health concerns, including suspected COVID-19 symptoms, please call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911. For coronavirus updates and resources, please visit our website at www.primarymed.com.
Source: https://www.whathealth.com/awareness/event/sarcoidosisawarenessmonth.html
https://foundation.chestnet.org/patient-education-resources/sarcoidosis/
https://www.ccjm.org/content/early/2020/05/12/ccjm.87a.ccc026