Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes inflammation of the body's tissues. Inflammation is a reaction of the body's immune system to injury. It usually causes reddened skin, warmth, swelling, and pain in the injured area. However, inflammation from sarcoidosis is different. The inflammation produces small lumps called granulomas. It can happen in any part of the body. Most often it starts in the lungs, but other places it may attack are the skin, liver, lymph glands, spleen, eyes, nervous system (including the brain), muscles and bones, heart, and kidneys.
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.
The cause of the disease is not known. It is most likely a problem with the immune system. It is not contagious and there is no evidence that it can be inherited.
Most people have no symptoms. Others may have just one symptom or many. When symptoms do occur they may develop gradually or very quickly. Symptoms depend on the part of the body that is affected. Examples of possible symptoms are:
Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. You will probably have some tests, such as:
In many cases no treatment is needed. Sarcoidosis symptoms often go away gradually on their own.
If you are having symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines to help control the symptoms. Prednisone is the main treatment. It helps reduce inflammation. Other medicines, including ones that suppress the immune system, may be used.
Your provider may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to treat inflammation and pain. Examples of NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. 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, do not take for more than 10 days for any reason.
You may need to take medicine for a couple of years. If you have severe symptoms, you may need to take medicine for many years. The prednisone can cause side effects, so you will need to be checked regularly by your healthcare provider while you are being treated.
While you have the disease, you will have follow-up tests and checkups. You will probably need to have chest X-rays, eye tests, blood tests, and breathing tests every few months or so.
Usually sarcoidosis is a mild condition and does not cause lasting problems. In most cases the symptoms go away with or without treatment within a few years. In some cases the inflammation may continue and scar tissue may form. This can cause organ damage. For example, it may damage the lungs and make it harder to breathe.
Severe sarcoidosis can reduce the chance of becoming pregnant, particularly for older women. However, many women have given birth to healthy babies while being treated for sarcoidosis. Women who have sarcoidosis and are planning to have a baby should discuss this with their healthcare provider.
Until the cause of sarcoidosis is understood, there is no known way to prevent sarcoidosis.
