Conditions with pulmonary fibrosis
Many conditions can be associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Here we discuss some of the more common ones.
Sarcoidosis with pulmonary fibrosis
Sarcoidosis is a condition where lumps called granulomas develop at different sites within the body. Granulomas are made up of clusters of cells involved in inflammation. If many granulomas form in an organ, they can prevent that organ from working properly.1
Sarcoidosis most commonly affects the lungs, which can lead to the development of interstitial lung disease (ILD). In this form of ILD, a person might develop lung scarring, or pulmonary fibrosis, making it harder to breathe.2
Watch the video below to learn more about sarcoidosis and pulmonary fibrosis.
Detecting pulmonary fibrosis in people with sarcoidosis
When looking for pulmonary fibrosis in sarcoidosis, your treatment team will look at many areas of your health. They will3:
If pulmonary fibrosis is detected, your doctor and the specialist team will work together to agree on the optimal treatment pathway with you. The general management of pulmonary disease in sarcoidosis is relatively established and most people respond well to treatment. The aim of treatment is to improve or preserve lung function and your quality of life, for instance, by treating fatigue.4 Ask your doctor about your treatment options including pulmonary rehabilitation, which could help you manage your condition.
Risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis
It’s difficult to know how sarcoidosis will affect a person as it can affect any organ and symptoms can vary widely. If you feel concerned about your risk of pulmonary fibrosis, don’t delay asking your doctor for a lung examination. As pulmonary fibrosis can get worse over time, recognising it early is key to getting the help you need.5,6
Some people might experience very few symptoms while pulmonary fibrosis is occurring, which could delay them from seeking medical attention until the disease gets to a stage where it becomes more challenging to treat. The earlier you ask for a lung examination, get a diagnosis, and start treatment, the better chance you give yourself to slow or control sarcoidosis with pulmonary fibrosis.
Risk factors for sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a complicated disease that can affect multiple organ systems in addition to the lungs.3 The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not known, although there are a few risk factors for sarcoidosis. Some factors, such as your work or living environment might have room for change, but there are other factors that cannot be changed, such as older age, family history and genetics, certain essential medications, race, and female gender.7
Symptoms of sarcoidosis
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms and they persist or are getting worse, check with your doctor to rule out whether they are caused by sarcoidosis3:
- Tender bumps on the skin
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Tender and swollen glands
- Fatigue
- Painful joints/pain in the bones
- Red or sore eyes
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Blocked or stuffy nose
- Kidney stones
- Headache
Depending on the individual, symptoms can appear suddenly and then go away. Some people have sarcoidosis but don’t have any obvious symptoms, while others may develop symptoms gradually and get worse over time.3,5 If you have any questions about these symptoms, it is always best to check with your doctor.
Progression of pulmonary fibrosis in sarcoidosis
There is currently no way of predicting if, or how fast, progression will happen. Some people might not have any changes in their symptoms, while others might experience a faster worsening of their symptoms. It is not known why some people’s disease progresses faster than others.1,8 It’s important that your doctor checks your lung health regularly so that any changes can be managed quickly.
Managing life with sarcoidosis with pulmonary fibrosis
Receiving a diagnosis of sarcoidosis with pulmonary fibrosis can feel lonely and uncertain; at these times it can feel very difficult to stay positive. Daily life can be challenging, both practically and emotionally. However, there are many strategies to help people living with pulmonary fibrosis.
Abbreviations: CT, computed tomography; ILD, interstitial lung disease; IPF, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; PF, pulmonary fibrosis; RA, Rheumatoid arthritis; RA-ILD, rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease.
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Sarcoidosis UK. What is sarcoidosis? Updated October 2022. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.sarcoidosisuk.org/information-hub/what-is-sarcoidosis/
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Olson AL, Gifford AH, Inase N, Fernández Pérez ER, Suda T. The epidemiology of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung diseases at risk of a progressive-fibrosing phenotype. Eur Respir Rev. 2018;27(50):180077.
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National Health Service. Sarcoidosis. Updated October 6, 2022. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sarcoidosis/
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Baughman RP, Valeyre D, Korsten P, et al. ERS clinical practice guidelines on treatment of sarcoidosis. Eur Respir J. 2021;58(6):2004079.
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American Lung Association. Stages of pulmonary fibrosis. Updated June 7, 2024. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pulmonary-fibrosis/introduction/stages-of-pulmonary-fibrosis
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Richeldi L, Cottin V, Würtemberger G, Kreuter M, Calvello M, Sgalla G. Digital lung auscultation: will early diagnosis of fibrotic interstitial lung disease become a reality? Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2014;200(2):261-263.
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National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Interstitial lung diseases. Causes and risk factors. Updated March 24, 2022. Accessed October 2, 2024. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/interstitial-lung-diseases/causes
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Criado E, Sánchez M, Ramírez J, et al. Pulmonary sarcoidosis: typical and atypical manifestations at high-resolution CT with pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 2010;30(6):1567-1586.