Clinical meaning
Pulmonary Sarcoidosis involves alterations in airway structure, gas exchange, or pulmonary vascular function. Pulmonary Sarcoidosis pathophysiology includes changes in ventilation-perfusion matching, airway resistance, and pulmonary compliance.
Diagnosis & workup
Diagnostics & workup: - Procalcitonin for bacterial vs viral pneumonia differentiation - Sputum culture, Gram stain, and AFB stain - Peak expiratory flow rate monitoring for asthma - Methacholine challenge for suspected asthma with normal spirometry - Thoracentesis with Light criteria for pleural effusion classification - ABG: pH, PaCO2, PaO2, HCO3, A-a gradient calculation - 6-minute walk test for functional capacity assessment
Risk factors: - Cystic fibrosis genotype (CFTR mutations) - Immunocompromised state increasing pneumonia susceptibility - Age >65 with declining mucociliary clearance - Radiation therapy to chest - Prematurity with bronchopulmonary dysplasia history - Occupational dust/chemical exposure (asbestos, silica, coal) - Connective tissue disease with ILD predisposition