Sarcoidosis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Sarcoidosis is a medical condition where small clusters of immune cells form in different body parts. These clusters, called granulomas, create red, swollen areas that most frequently develop in the lungs and chest lymph nodes.
However, they can also appear in the eyes, skin, heart, and other organs.
The exact cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown, but researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Some individuals have genetic variations that increase their susceptibility. Environmental triggers like bacteria, viruses, dust, or chemicals may then cause an excessive immune response, leading to inflammation and granuloma formation.
There is currently no cure for sarcoidosis. Many people don’t require treatment as the condition may resolve on its own. Others need medications to reduce their immune system’s response.
In some cases, sarcoidosis becomes chronic, lasting for years and potentially causing organ damage.
Common Sites of Granulomas:
- Lungs (most common)
- Chest lymph nodes
- Eyes
- Skin
- Heart
- Other organs
Signs and Symptoms
Sarcoidosis affects people differently based on which body parts are involved. For some, symptoms develop gradually and persist for years. For others, symptoms appear suddenly and then vanish quickly.
Many people have no symptoms at all, with the condition being discovered only when a chest X-ray is done for another reason.
Common early signs include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the chest, neck, armpits or groin
- Weight loss
- Joint pain and swelling, particularly in the ankles
Breathing Issues
The lungs are most commonly affected by sarcoidosis. Breathing problems may include:
- Persistent dry cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing sounds when exhaling
- Pain in the chest area
Skin Changes
The condition can cause various skin problems:
- Small, itchy bumps (usually on the head, neck or legs)
- Painful skin rashes
- Open sores on the face, including nose, lips, cheeks and ears
- Patches of darker or lighter skin
- Growth formations under the skin, especially near scars or tattoos
Vision Problems
Regular eye exams are important because sarcoidosis can affect the eyes without causing symptoms. When eye symptoms occur, they may include:
- Blurry vision
- Eye pain
- Excessive tearing
- Burning, itching or dryness
- Severe redness
- Light sensitivity
Heart-Related Symptoms
When sarcoidosis affects the heart, symptoms might include:
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting spells
- Irregular heartbeats
- Heart palpitations (rapid or fluttering heartbeats)
- Swelling due to fluid retention
Brain and Nerve Effects
The condition can impact the nervous system, causing:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Mental confusion
- Weakness
- Nerve pain, numbness or tingling sensations
- Seizures
Additional Body Reactions
Sarcoidosis can form granulomas (small clusters of inflammatory cells) in almost any organ. This includes the liver, spleen, muscles, bones, joints, kidneys, and lymph nodes. Symptoms will vary based on which organs are affected.
When to Contact a Doctor
If you experience any symptoms that might indicate sarcoidosis, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.e.
Causes
The exact cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown. Scientists believe it develops from a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers that lead to an abnormal immune response.
Some people have genetic variations that make their immune system more sensitive to certain substances. When exposed to potential triggers like bacteria, viruses, dust particles, or chemicals, their immune system responds too strongly.
This overreaction causes immune cells to cluster together, forming small inflammatory lumps called granulomas. As these granulomas accumulate in organs, they can disrupt normal function and cause symptoms.
The body essentially fights against something it perceives as foreign, even though no clear threat exists. This autoimmune-like response is what characterizes sarcoidosis.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chance of developing sarcoidosis:
- Age: Most commonly affects people between 20 and 60 years old.
- Gender: Women have a slightly higher risk than men.
- Racial Background: More common in people of African descent and Northern European heritage.
- Environmental Exposure: Working with chemicals or dust increases risk.
- Genetics: Having a family member with sarcoidosis raises your risk.
People of African descent often experience sarcoidosis that affects multiple organs beyond the lungs. The disease can develop at any age, though it rarely appears in childhood or older adults.
Your occupation or hobbies that expose you to certain environmental substances may play a role in triggering the condition in genetically susceptible individuals.
Long-term Health Problems
Sarcoidosis can sometimes lead to serious health issues that last a long time. These problems can affect many parts of the body.
Lung Damage
- Untreated lung sarcoidosis may cause permanent scarring (pulmonary fibrosis)
- Makes breathing difficult
- Can lead to high blood pressure in the lungs
Eye Complications
- Inflammation can damage the retina and harm vision over time
- May cause cataracts (cloudy lens)
- Can lead to glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
Kidney Issues
- Can disrupt calcium balance in the body, causing high blood calcium levels
- May lead to painful kidney stones
- Sometimes affects kidney function
- Rarely causes long-term kidney disease
Heart Problems
- Granulomas (inflammatory lumps) can form in heart tissue
- May disrupt normal heart rhythm
- Can affect blood flow through the heart
- Sometimes impacts how well the heart pumps
- In rare cases, can be life-threatening
Nervous System Effects
- Granulomas can develop in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves
- When facial nerves are affected, can cause facial muscle paralysis
- May lead to other neurological symptoms depending on location
