WORLD AWARENESS SARCOIDOSIS DAY
Every year on April 13th, World Sarcoidosis Awareness Day draws attention to this inflammatory disease. The day also encourages those who have this condition to support one another and educate others about living with sarcoidosis.
While sarcoidosis is a rare disease, it still affects thousands of people around the world. In the United States, there are about 200,000 Americans that have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis. In the UK, the disease affects about 108,000 people. Also known as sarcoid, this condition occurs when cells in the body clump together to make small lumps. These small lumps are called granulomas. The granulomas usually grow in the lymph glands and lungs. However, granulomas can develop in other parts of the body as well.
Symptoms for this disease depend upon which part of the body is affected. In many cases, those with sarcoidosis will have the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Coughing
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
If the condition affects the eyes, symptoms usually include dryness, redness, and pain. If the granulomas grow in the lungs, they may cause shortness of breath or wheezing. For some, symptoms go into remission without requiring any treatment. Others with sarcoidosis have persistent symptoms, some of which can be quite debilitating. There is no cure for this inflammatory condition. Patients who suffer from chronic sarcoidosis may require specific medications to treat the symptoms. Treatment options may also include physical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation. Severe cases of the disease may require an organ transplant.
HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldSarcDay #StopSarcoidosis
On this day, the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research encourages those with the disease to host informative events in their communities. Other events also include patient conferences, walk-a-thons, and fundraisers. People should wear purple to help spread awareness of the disease. Patients with sarcoidosis are encouraged to share their stories. To do your part, take a selfie of yourself in your favorite purple t-shirt and share it on social media with #WorldSarcDay or #StopSarcoidosis
WORLD SARCOIDOSIS AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
In April 2008, the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research declared Sarcoidosis Awareness Month. Eleven years later, the organization launched World Sarcoidosis Awareness Day in conjunction with the April observance. They hosted the first World Sarcoidosis Awareness Day on April 13th, 2019.