This information has been reviewed and approved by Lisa Maier, MD, MSPH, FCCP (September 2024).
Understanding Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis causes the immune system to overreact and produce clusters of inflammation, called granulomas, usually in the lungs.
Cause
Sarcoidosis has more than one cause, but the exact cause is still unknown.
More Common In
- People of African or Northern European descent
- Women
- Ages 30 to 50
Signs and Symptoms
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath, cough
- Enlarged or painful chest lymph nodes
- Lightheadedness and heart issues
- Red, painful, dry eyes; vision issues
- Raised, pink or purple; painful nodules under the skin
- Enlarged spleen or liver
Some of people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms.
Diagnosis
- Medical exam
- Chest X-ray or CT scan
- Biopsy showing granulomas
Treatment
- Medications
- Oxygen therapy
- Pulmonary rehabilitation