what-is-sarcoidosis : Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that causes small patches of red and swollen tissue, called granulomas, to develop in the organs of the body. It usually affects the lungs and skin.

What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?

Some people with sarcoidosis don’t have any symptoms. However, general symptoms may include:

• fatigue
• fever
• weight loss
• joint pain
• dry mouth
• nosebleeds
• abdominal swelling

Symptoms vary depending on the part of your body that’s affected by the disease. Sarcoidosis can occur in any organ, but it most commonly affects the lungs. Lung symptoms can include:

• a dry cough
• shortness of breath
• wheezing
• chest pain around your breastbone

Skin symptoms can include:

• skin rashes
• skin sores
• hair loss
• raised scars

Nervous system symptoms can include:

• seizures
• hearing loss
• headaches

Eye symptoms can include:

• dry eyes
• itchy eyes
• eye pain
• vision loss
• a burning sensation in your eyes
• a discharge from your eyes

What causes sarcoidosis?

The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. However, gender, race, and genetics can increase the risk of developing the condition:

• Sarcoidosis is more common in women than in men.
• People of African-American descent are more likely to develop the condition.
• People with a family history of sarcoidosis have a significantly higher risk of getting the disease.

Sarcoidosis rarely occurs in children. Symptoms usually appear in people between the ages of 20 and 40.

How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?

It can be difficult to diagnose sarcoidosis. Symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, such as arthritis or cancer. Your doctor will run a variety of tests to make a diagnosis.

Your doctor will first perform a physical examination to:

• check for skin bumps or a rash
• look for swollen lymph nodes
• listen to your heart and lungs
• check for an enlarged liver or spleen

Based on the findings, your doctor may order additional diagnostic tests:

• A chest X-ray can be used to check for granulomas and swollen lymph nodes.
• A chest CT scan is an imaging test that takes cross-sectional pictures of your chest.
• A lung function test can help determine whether your lung capacity has become affected.
• A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue that can be checked for granulomas.

Your doctor may also order blood tests to check your kidney and liver function.

What are the treatments of Sarcoidosis?

There's no cure for sarcoidosis, but in half of cases it goes away on its own

Medications

If your symptoms are severe or organ function is threatened, you will likely be treated with medication.

• Corticosteroids.
• Medications that suppress the immune system.
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors

Surgery

Organ transplant may be considered if sarcoidosis has severely damaged your lungs, heart or liver.