GLENVIEW, Ill., April 1, 2015/PRNewswire/ -- Seek Answers. Inspire Results. is the dynamic message underlying a national sarcoidosis campaign launched today by the CHEST Foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians, in partnership with the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (FSR). The yearlong campaign, launched as part of National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in April, encourages people living with sarcoidosis to take a proactive role in their treatment plan.
“Sarcoidosis is a multi-system disorder that can be perplexing to patients and doctors. The exact cause is unknown and symptoms can mimic those of other diseases,” said Doreen J. Addrizzo-Harris, MD, FCCP, co-director of the Pulmonary/Critical Care Faculty Group Practice at NYU Langone Medical Center, pulmonary section chief at Tisch Hospital in New York City, and trustee of the CHEST Foundation board. “Because each case of sarcoidosis is unique, it is vital to ask questions to determine the best course of action. While many do not experience serious health problems, 30-40 percent of people living with sarcoidosis have a persistent condition that may require personalized treatment to control symptoms.”
With good medical care, most cases of sarcoidosis are not severe and do not cause lasting damage to the body. When treatment is needed, however, it is important for people living with sarcoidosis to assess all options through an open dialogue with their physician.
To enable this discussion, Seek Answers. Inspire Results. offers people living with sarcoidosis and their caregivers simple, usable resources (available at chestnet.org/sarcoid) to understand and manage their unique condition. In particular, the “Sarcoid Five,” a list of five questions designed to start proactive patient-doctor conversations, helps people living with sarcoidosis understand treatment options and create a personalized plan to control their individual condition.
“We are pleased to partner with the CHEST Foundation to provide much-needed resources to the sarcoidosis community,” said Ginger Spitzer, executive director of FSR. “It is important for people living with sarcoidosis to understand they are not alone as they navigate the condition and that symptoms can be effectively managed with support and a tailored action plan.”
About Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease wherein the immune system goes into overdrive, causing cells to group together into clumps called granulomas. When too many granulomas form on an organ, they can interfere with the organ’s function. Sarcoidosis can affect any organ in the body; however, in more than 90 percent of sarcoidosis cases, the lungs and lymph nodes are affected. Although anyone can develop sarcoidosis, it is most common among people between the ages of 20 and 40.
About CHEST and the CHEST Foundation
CHEST is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research. CHEST serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 18,700 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more information about CHEST, visit chestnet.org.
The CHEST Foundation supports patient and public education programs; grants, awards, and lectures for clinical and translational research; community service and humanitarian programs; and youth tobacco prevention programs. Since 1996, the foundation has provided more than $9 million for outstanding work in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more information about the CHEST Foundation, visit chestnet.org/foundation.
About the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
The Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for sarcoidosis and to improving care for patients with the disease. Since its establishment in 2000, FSR has funded nearly $1 million in sarcoidosis-specific research. For more information about FSR, to volunteer, or make a donation, visit: stopsarcoidosis.org
Patient education resources supported in part by a grant from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.
Media Contact:
Kendra Schmitt
Allison+Partners
Sarc@allisonpr.com
(623) 201-5575
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SOURCE CHEST Foundation; Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research
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