ABSTRACT
The clinical course of sarcoidosis is highly variable and virtually every organ
can be involved. The lungs are affected in over 90% of sarcoidosis patients. Furthermore, the lymph nodes, skin, and eyes are frequently involved.
Patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis may present with symptoms related
directly to the chest such as coughing, dyspnea on exertion, retrostemal chest
pain, chest discomfort, and wheezing. Symptoms such as fever, anorexia,
weight loss, general weakness, fatigue, and pain appeared to be attributable
to sarcoidosis too (1,2). These nonspecific symptoms are disabling for the
patient, cause an impaired quality of life (QOL) and may become chronic.
Therefore, knowledge concerning the relationship of symptoms, QOL, and health status is of great significance, especially in long lasting sarcoidosis.
In this chapter these issues will be discussed with an emphasis on QOL and
health status: What are the definitions? Which measures are appropriate?
Which aspects might be affected by sarcoidosis?
