Managing Sarcoidosis: How Joann Found Relief Through Specialized Treatment
Coordinated, multidisciplinary care helped reduce sarcoidosis inflammation and improve Joann's breathing, stamina, and daily life.
Caring for her aging mother kept Joann DiGiovanni on the go. But when she began having trouble climbing the stairs without losing her breath, she realized something wasn’t quite right.
What is Sarcoidosis?
Joann was diagnosed in 2010 with sarcoidosis, a condition that causes your immune system to overreact and create inflammation in different parts of the body.
Like many people with the condition, Joann at first didn’t experience any significant symptoms. But when the breathing problems sent her to the hospital in 2023, doctors found the sarcoidosis in her lymph nodes was now in her heart, lungs, and eyes.
“I would have overwhelming fatigue,” said Joann, a 65-year-old former nurse from Sicklerville. “Sometimes it got so bad, I’d have to stop what I was doing and lie down in bed to take a nap.”
What Are the Symptoms of Sarcoidosis?
The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but doctors believe it involves a mix of genetic and environmental factors. The immune system produces clumps of cells called granulomas that spark inflammation. Left untreated, the inflammation may lead to tissue scarring and organ damage.
Symptoms of sarcoidosis vary depending on the body part affected. They include extreme fatigue, joint pain, cough and shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, rash, and blurred vision.
“The immune system is ringing the alarm but can’t put out the fire,” said Virtua pulmonologist Ali Mustafa, MD, an advanced lung disease specialist. “When the cells implant themselves in the lungs, they cause inflammation, which can lead to scarring and severe lung disease.”
How Is Sarcoidosis Treated?
Sarcoidosis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation. Over the past year, prednisone helped to control the sarcoidosis in Joann’s lymph nodes and eyes, but she has needed more aggressive immunosuppressive medications to lower inflammation in her lungs and heart. She sees a cardiologist to treat heart failure triggered by the sarcoidosis.
For Joann, that’s meant less fatigue, improved breathing, increased stamina—and the ability to be a better caregiver.
“Joann had been severely symptomatic with complex multiorgan sarcoidosis for several years before making it to our program,” said Dr. Mustafa, who has treated Joann with fellow Virtua pulmonologist Eric Sztejman, MD. “With appropriate therapy and coordinated multidisciplinary care, she’s feeling much better.”
“A year ago, I was lucky to get through the day,” she said. “Dr. Mustafa has been wonderful. He’s very optimistic and encouraging about the medication. He calls to check on me, responds right away to my messages, and makes me feel like I’m not alone in this. He wants me to succeed and get healthier.”
Specialized Sarcoidosis Treatment Here in South Jersey
Virtua is recognized by the World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Diseases for its focus on interstitial lung diseases like sarcoidosis. Call 888-847-8823 to make an appointment with one of our pulmonologists specializing in sarcoidosis treatment.
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