Sarcoidosis
Symptoms of sarcoidosis
It's impossible to predict how sarcoidosis will affect a person, as the condition can affect any organ and the symptoms varywidely depending on whichorgans are involved.
Most people with sarcoidosis develop symptoms suddenly, but they usuallyclear within a few months or yearsand the condition doesn't come back. This is known as acute sarcoidosis.
Some people don't have any symptoms at all, and the condition is diagnosed after an X-ray carried out for another reason.
Afew people find their symptomsdevelop gradually and get worse over time, to thepoint where they become severely affected.Lots of granulomas may form in an organ and prevent it from working properly. This is known as chronicsarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis most often affects the lungs, skin and/or lymph nodes (glands). Some of the typical symptoms are listed below, although someone with sarcoidosis will probably only have a few of these.
Lung symptoms
The lungs are affected in about 90% of people with sarcoidosis. This is known as pulmonary sarcoidosis.
The two main symptoms are shortness of breath and a persistent dry cough.Some people with pulmonary sarcoidosis experience pain and discomfort in their chest, but this is uncommon.
Skin symptoms
The skin is affected in about25% ofpeople with sarcoidosis.
This can cause tender, red bumps or patches to develop on the skin (particularly the shins), as well as rashes on the upper body.
Other symptoms
If other organs are affected, you may also have some of the following symptoms:
- tender and swollen glands in the face, neck, armpits or groin
- tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell
- painful joints
- red or sore eyes
- an abnormal heart rhythm
- ablocked or stuffy nose
- pain in the bones
- kidney stones
- headache
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Sarcoidosis is a rare condition that causes small patches of red and swollen tissue, called granulomas, to develop in the organs of the body.
Symptoms of sarcoidosis
It's impossible to predict how sarcoidosis will affect a person, as the condition can affect any organ and the symptoms varywidely depending on whichorgans are involved. Most people with sarcoidosis
Causes of sarcoidosis
The body'simmune system normally fights off infections by releasing white blood cells into the blood to isolate and destroy the germs. This results in inflammation (swelling and redness) of the body t
Who's affected
Sarcoidosis can affect people of any age, but usually starts in young adults aged between 20 and 40. It's rare in childhood. The condition affects people from all ethnic backgrounds, but it's most co
Diagnosing sarcoidosis
A number of different testsmay be carried out to diagnose sarcoidosis, depending on which organs are affected. If your symptoms suggest you have pulmonary sarcoidosis (sarcoidosis affecting the lungs
How sarcoidosis is treated
Most people with sarcoidosis don't need treatment as thecondition often goes away on its own, usually within a few months oryears. Simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter painkillers (such as p
Living with sarcoidosis
The Sarcoidosis Charity recommends the following lifestyle measuresif you have sarcoidosis: stop smoking, if you smoke avoid exposure to dust, chemicals, fumes and toxic gases eat a healthy balanc
Outlook
Symptoms of sarcoidosis may come and go, andcan usually be managed with over-the-counter painkillers so theydon't affect everyday life.Most people with the condition find their symptoms have disappear
Information about you
If you have sarcoidosis, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scientists look for bett
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