Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder. Sarcoidosis occurs when small clusters of inflammatory cells collect in various parts of the body. It can affect any organ in our body, including the lungs, lymph nodes, and skin. However, 90% of the recorded cases have been Pulmonary Sarcoidosis – that is of the lungs. It is widely believed that Sarcoidosis occurs when our immune system responds to bacteria, virus, chemicals or dust in the environment. Our cells release chemicals that fight these substances and destroy. When the inflammation around the foreign body stays, granulomas are formed and does not subside, which results in Sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis does not have symptoms and even if it does, it depends on the organs affected. Typically, the symptoms develop over the years and could easily go undetected. Some of the general and common signs of sarcoidosis are weight loss, fatigue, inflamed lymph nodes, fever and sometimes depression.

Symptoms for Sarcoidosis in various organs:

Lung: A persistent dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath and chest pain (rare) are the basic symptoms of Sarcoidosis in the lungs. A chest x-ray can diagnose this.

Lymph nodes: Tender or inflamed lymph nodes, predominantly in the neck and chest. It has also been noticed in chin, armpits, and groin.

Skin:

• Itchy and non-painful ulcers and bumps in discolored areas of the skin, near nose, eyes, back, scalp and leg. These remain in the skin for elongated periods of time
• Painful, tender, warm, red to purple raised bumps that show in ankles and shin. They could indicate other diseases too. However, they could disappear without treatment
• Skin sores that can lead to disfigurement in our nose, nasal passages, eyes, eyelids, cheeks, and ears. They can reappear after treatment

Eye:

• Redness of the eye
• Sensitive to light
• Dryness
• Seeking black spots
• Itchiness, Burning sensation, and severe pain
• Blurred and reduced color vision.

Once the doctor identifies the symptoms and the organs that are affected due to it, the treatment is essential to relieve the symptoms and shrink the granulomas. It is advised that patients diagnosed with Sarcoidosis quit smoking, and stay away from chemicals and substances that affect the lungs.