Sarcoidosis

Leave a Comment / pulmonologist / By

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease that causes the growth of tiny clumps of inflammatory cells called granulomas in various organs — most commonly the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, and eyes. When these granulomas persist, they can interfere with normal organ function.

🧪 Cause

  • The exact cause is unknown.
  • It’s thought to be an abnormal immune response to an environmental trigger (like infection or dust) in people with a genetic predisposition.

🔬 It’s not contagious or considered cancerous.

🫁 Commonly Affected Organs

  • Lungs and lymph nodes (over 90% of cases)
  • Skin
  • Eyes
  • Heart
  • Liver
  • Nervous system (in rare cases, known as neurosarcoidosis)

📋 Symptoms

General

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats

Lung Symptoms (most common)

  • Persistent dry cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Wheezing

Skin

  • Reddish or purplish bumps (especially on the shins) — erythema nodosum
  • Skin lesions or plaques

Eyes

  • Blurred vision
  • Eye pain
  • Dry eyes
  • Redness or sensitivity to light

Heart

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Heart failure symptoms (rare but serious)

🩺 Diagnosis

Sarcoidosis is often diagnosed by ruling out other conditions and through a combination of tests:

  • Chest X-ray or CT scan (looks for enlarged lymph nodes or lung changes)
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Blood tests (ACE levels, calcium, liver/kidney function)
  • Biopsy of affected tissue (shows non-caseating granulomas)
  • Eye exam
  • ECG or MRI (if cardiac involvement is suspected)

💊 Treatment

Many cases of sarcoidosis resolve on their own (especially if mild). Treatment is needed when organs are affected or symptoms are significant.

Mild/No Symptoms

  • Often monitored without treatment

Symptomatic or Organ Involvement

  • Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) – first-line treatment
  • Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine)
  • Biologics (e.g., infliximab) – for resistant cases
  • Organ-specific management (e.g., pacemaker for heart issues)

🔄 Prognosis

  • Varies widely:
    • Some people recover fully within 2–3 years.
    • Others may have chronic or progressive disease.
    • Lung involvement can lead to pulmonary fibrosis in advanced cases.

🧘 Early diagnosis and careful monitoring help reduce the risk of complications.

Call Now Button