Lungs

Almost ninety percent of the cases of sarcoidosis are found in the lungs, but it can occur in almost any organ. It causes small lumps, or granulomas, which generally heal and disappear on their own. However, for those granulomas that do not heal, the tissue can remain inflamed and become scarred, or fibrotic. Pulmonary sarcoidosis can develop into pulmonary fibrosis, which distorts the structure of the lungs and can interfere with breathing. Bronchiectasis, a lung disease in which pockets form in the air tubes of the lung and become sites for infection, can also occur.

 Pulmonary sarcoidosis can cause loss of lung volume (the amount of air the lungs can hold) and abnormal lung stiffness. Common lung symptoms are dry coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, or pain with breathing, chest pain, tightness, or discomfort and coughing up blood, which is rare, especially in the early stages of sarcoidosis.

Personally, I did experience all the symptoms of pulmonary sarcoidosis, but today most of my symptoms have subsided, and my lung function is at 98%, which is considered normal. Unfortunately, some sarcoidosis victims lungs never heal, and they become ridden with all kinds of complications from the inflammation and medications used to treat the inflammation. One of the most well known comedians did succumb to pulmonary sarcoidosis. Please read a partial article written in People Magazine on August 9, 2008 about the contribution of sarcoidosis to our beloved Bernie Mac's death.

Bernie Mac’s Death: What Happened?

BY HILARY SHENFELD AND IVORY JEFF CLINTON

Saturday August 09, 2008 07:00 PM EDT

Lung Disease Contributed

The sister-in-law says Mac’s inflammatory lung disease contributed to his death. “He had sarcoidosis, but it was in remissions, “she says. “But because he had it, his immune system was compromised. He had an infection…. He was on a new medication that suppresses the immune system, and that’s where the pneumonia came from.”

She reveals that Mac – having trouble breathing and running a fever – was actually hospitalized on July 24, eight days before the date given for his admittance. The actor was diagnosed with pneumonia and immediately placed on a ventilator.

“He was critically ill when he was in the hospital,”says Gossett”. He was in intensive care the whole time.”

She adds that doctors kept the star sedated, although he was conscious at times and he contracted a second strain of pneumonia while in the hospital.

video courtesy of black Press