Sarcoidosis
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KEY POINTS
- Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes small lumps, called granulomas, to form in different parts of your body.
- Sarcoidosis can be treated with medicine if you have symptoms.
- Many times, no treatment is needed and sarcoidosis will go away on its own.
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What is sarcoidosis?
Sarcoidosis is a problem with your immune system, which is your body’s defense against infection. When you have sarcoidosis, your body mistakenly attacks your normal, healthy tissues and forms small lumps called granulomas. This can happen in any part of the body. Most often it starts in the lungs, but it may affect your skin, liver, eyes, heart, kidneys, muscles, bones, brain, nervous system, and lymph nodes. Lymph nodes store blood cells (lymphocytes) to fight infection.
Usually sarcoidosis does not cause lasting problems. In most cases the symptoms go away with or without treatment within a few years. In some cases scar tissue may form and cause organ damage.
The disease is most common in adults between 20 and 40 years old. In the US, African Americans are more likely to have the disease.
What is the cause?
The cause of sarcoidosis is not known. You are more likely to develop the disease if someone in your family has it.
What are the symptoms?
You may not have symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they depend on what part of your body is affected. Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath or cough
- Enlarged lymph nodes (most common in the neck)
- Fever
- Feeling tired or weak
- Weight loss or loss of appetite
- Rash
- Eye problems (itching, burning, red eyes, blurred vision, dryness)
- Joint stiffness
- Irregular or pounding heartbeat
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. Tests may include:
- Chest X-ray
- Lung function tests to see how well your lungs are working
- Blood tests
- Biopsy, which is the removal of a small piece of tissue for testing
How is it treated?
In many cases no treatment is needed. Sarcoidosis symptoms often go away slowly on their own.
If you are having symptoms, your provider may recommend nonprescription medicine to treat inflammation and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, you should not take this medicine for more than 10 days.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine to help reduce inflammation and control other symptoms. If you have severe symptoms, you may need to take medicine for many years. While you have the disease, you will have follow-up tests and checkups every few months or so.
Severe sarcoidosis can make it harder for women to get pregnant. If you have sarcoidosis and are planning to have a baby, talk with your healthcare provider.
How can I take care of myself?
Follow the full course of treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. In addition:
- Take care of your health. Try to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If you smoke, try to quit. If you want to drink alcohol, ask your healthcare provider how much is safe for you to drink. Learn ways to manage stress. Exercise according to your healthcare provider's instructions.
- Stay away from substances that can hurt the lungs, like smoke, dust, and chemicals.
- Have an eye exam every year or as recommended by your eye care provider.
Ask your provider:
- How and when you will get your test results
- How long it will take to recover
- If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
- How to take care of yourself at home
- What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them
Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.
