Sarcoidosis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
الساركويد
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which immune-cell clusters called granulomas form, often in the lungs and lymph nodes. Eyes, skin, heart and other organs may be affected.
What is Sarcoidosis?
Its course varies: it may be discovered incidentally or improve without medicine, while other cases require prolonged treatment. Immune suppression is not necessary for every patient.
Related reading: Granulomatosis with polyangiitis as another cause of lung symptoms.
Symptoms
Cough, breathlessness, fatigue, skin changes, tender leg nodules or joint pain may occur. Red eyes, altered vision and palpitations depend on organ involvement; some people have no symptoms.
Causes
The exact cause is unknown. Genetic susceptibility and immune responses to environmental triggers may interact. Sarcoidosis is not contagious; other causes of granulomas must be considered.
Risk factors
Family history and some environmental exposures increase risk, and rates vary with age, sex and ancestry. Having a risk factor does not make disease inevitable.
Diagnosis
Assessment uses examination, chest imaging, lung-function and selected blood tests, sometimes a biopsy. Eye or cardiac assessment and exclusion of infection or similar granulomatous disorders may be needed.
Treatment
Observation may be appropriate when organs are not threatened. Corticosteroids or steroid-sparing medicines treat significant disease, with organ-specific care and monitoring for adverse effects.
Complications
Pulmonary scarring, abnormal heart rhythm, eye damage or calcium-related kidney problems can occur. Risks depend on affected organs and inflammatory activity; relapse after improvement is possible.
Prevention
There is no proven prevention. Avoid smoking and irritants, stay appropriately active and keep follow-up appointments. Discuss calcium or vitamin D supplements first because calcium regulation may be abnormal.
When to see a doctor
Eye pain or altered vision needs prompt assessment. Fainting, palpitations with severe dizziness or sudden breathlessness requires urgent care, even after previously stable disease.