Jonathan Kopel BS
Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous pulmonary disorder in middle-age adults characterized by systemic proliferation of helper T cells. Fewer than 10% of sarcoidosis patients have a family history, and many cases develop from interactions between environmental exposure and genetic polymorphisms. Several epidemiological studies suggest cigarette smoke with nicotine may prevent sarcoidosis. Given the many studies linking smoking to several diseases and long-term complications, recommending smoking or nicotine therapy for granulomatous lung diseases, such as sarcoidosis, remains a difficult proposition. More research is needed to isolate the chemical component(s) in cigarette smoke that might reduce the risk of sarcoidosis and determine efficacy and potential adverse effects. In addition, more investigation is needed to determine whether cigarette smoking actually lowers the risk of developing sarcoidosis.
Keywords: Sarcoidosis, smoking, causation, epidemiology
Article citation: Kopel J. Sarcoidosis and smoking: an unlikely duo. The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles 2020;8(34):47–51
From: The School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
Submitted: 2/3/2020
Accepted: 4/7/2020
Reviewer: Rishi Raj MD
Conflicts of interest: none
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