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Sarcoidosis

Evidence: Unconfirmed

Names

Sarcoidosis
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease

Description

One way the immune system works is to surround an invader and keep it from harming the body. Those small clumps of immune system cells are called granulomas and they form as part of the body's inflammation response to foreign, potentially harmful, substances.

In sarcoidosis the inflammation process gets out of control, and granulomas form even though there is no foreign substance, and the number of granulomas increases. When left untreated, the granulomas harden and produce permanent scars, usually in the lungs but they can occur in other organs and tissues.

The symptoms of sarcoidosis depend on where the granulomas form. In some cases, the disease goes away on its own. In others, the disease may not progress clinically but individuals will still suffer from some symptoms that affect their quality of life. Up to a third of people diagnosed will require long-term treatment. Sarcoidosis is considered chronic in people whose disease remains active for more than 2-5 years; chronic sarcoidosis can be debilitating and life-threatening.

Sarcoidosis often starts with a set of symptoms collectively referred to as Lofgren’s Syndrome (see below).

Bloggers

None

Prevalence

US Cases: 192,000 [Baughman 2016]

Typical Age of onset

No specific age

Symptoms

Symptoms of Lofgren’s Syndrome:

  • Fever

  • Enlarged lymph nodes

  • Swollen and painful joints, arthritis

  • Erythema nodosum, raised, red, and tender bumps to form on the skin, usually on the front of the legs. Nearby joints are often swollen and painful.

Other symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Wheezing

  • Chronic cough

  • Chest pain

  • Fatigue

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Night sweats

  • Irregular heart beat

  • Swollen legs

  • Headaches

  • Visual problems

  • Weakness or numbness of an arm, leg, or part of the face

  • Discoloration of the nose, cheeks, lips, and ears

  • Scaly-appearing skin

  • Rash

  • Joint pain

  • Muscle swelling

  • Muscle soreness

  • Burning, itching, tearing, or pain in the eyes

  • Red eyes

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Blurred vision

Note: some patients do not show any symptoms.