Jun 14 2024 14 mins
Sarcoidosis can lead to severe lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis). It can also sometimes be associated with pulmonary hypertension. These can significantly impact lung function and cause a drop in oxygen levels, particularly during exertion.
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Oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) can be monitored using an oximeter, and values below 90% warrant a check of blood oxygen levels. This can be done through blood gas analysis from the earlobe or an arterial blood sample. If oxygen levels are indeed low, supplemental oxygen therapy may be prescribed to improve oxygen levels, reduce the risk of complications, and potentially enhance exercise tolerance. However, it's worth noting that oxygen therapy may not alleviate all symptoms of breathlessness. Regular follow-ups and additional tests, including imaging and lung function assessments, are crucial to monitor the progression of the disease and manage any potential complications, such as cardiac involvement. Patients experiencing palpitations at rest, or randomly occurring, should inform their doctors, who may recommend further tests like a Holter ECG or cardiac PET to assess heart function and rule out cardiac sarcoidosis. Pulmonary rehabilitation and optimization of other treatments, such as those for other heart and lung conditions, may be beneficial. #sarcoidosis #oxygen #pulmonaryfibrosis