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Effects of sarcoidosis
Ebony, March, 2005
Q After hearing that a condition called sarcoidosis might have contributed to the tragic death of NFL great Reggie White, I'm so scared because I too have shortness of breath, and I think I might have the same condition. What can I do about it?
O.M., Los Angeles
A The first thing you should do is get to your doctor's office--immediately!--for a thorough physical examination. There are several serious conditions that can cause shortness of breath, and heart problems are among those that have to be considered a likely possibility.
Sarcoidosis, which still baffles the medical community, is characterized by the presence of small areas of inflamed cells that can attack any organ in the body but most often is found in the lungs. The cause is unknown, and doctors say the most common symptom is extreme shortness of breath, sometimes accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes in the chest.
According to the American Lung Association, the disease is found slightly more often in Blacks, but, despite its potential severity, 95 percent of patients recover after treatment.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group
