What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?
The symptoms of sarcoidosis depend on where in your body granulomas form. Most people with sarcoidosis have lung symptoms, but you can have symptoms in your skin, eyes, joints and almost anywhere else in your body. You may also have general feelings of being unwell or no symptoms at all.
General symptoms of sarcoidosis
Symptoms of sarcoidosis in your lungs
Symptoms of sarcoidosis in your eye
Blurred vision or loss of vision (
).
Eye pain.
Red or swollen eyes (
or
).
Sensitivity to light.
Symptoms of sarcoidosis of your skin
Growths under your skin around scars or tattoos.
Light or dark patches of skin.
Raised, reddish-purple sores or rash across your nose or cheeks (lupus pernio).
Red, tender bumps on your shins (
).
Symptoms of sarcoidosis of your heart
Symptoms of sarcoidosis of your nervous system
Increased thirst or amounts of pee (
Weak or paralyzed facial muscles (
).
Headaches.
What are the stages of pulmonary sarcoidosis?
Pulmonary (lung) sarcoidosis is sometimes described in stages called the Siltzbach classification system.
It’s important to know that these stages aren’t necessarily an indicator of severity. You’re not expected to move through each stage. They’re based on your lungs’ appearance on a
and mostly describe where the granulomas are located.
Someone with sarcoidosis can move between stages or have granulomas disappear completely. The only stage that’s irreversible is stage four, which is permanent lung damage.
Stage 0: X-rays don’t show any pulmonary sarcoidosis. Lungs and lymph nodes appear normal on an X-ray.
Stage 1: Granulomas in your lymph nodes only.
Stage 2: Granulomas in your lymph nodes and lungs.
Stage 3: Granulomas in your lungs only.
Stage 4: X-rays show pulmonary fibrosis, or permanent scarring of your lungs.
What causes sarcoidosis?
Research suggests that a combination of genetics and environmental factors cause sarcoidosis, but its exact cause is unknown. We think certain people are more likely to have their immune system overreact to certain triggers (
), like bacteria and viruses. Despite the immune system’s involvement, sarcoidosis isn’t considered an
.
Since we don’t know for sure which combination of genes and triggers causes sarcoidosis, it’s impossible to predict who will get it.
What is Löfgren syndrome?
Löfgren syndrome is a sudden onset of sarcoidosis defined by a group of symptoms affecting several parts of your body:
Arthritis in multiple joints.
Fever.
Red, tender bumps on your shins (erythema nodosum).
Swollen lymph nodes in your chest.
Löfgren syndrome usually resolves in six months to two years.