Sarcoidosis is very much an inflammatory disease of the lungs, it also affects the lymph nodes and skin. Granulomas are little, pimple-like lumps that start the process. Any organs in the body can be impacted by sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis has an unknown cause. Men and women of various ages and colors are affected. It primarily affects persons in their 20s to 50s, African Americans, particularly women, and Northern Europeans.

ARE SYMPTOMS NOTICEABLE: At times there may be no Symptoms, but When symptoms do appear, they might affect practically any portion of the body or organ system. Almost everyone develops lung or chest symptoms: Pain in the chest (almost always behind the breastbone) Coughing that is dry Breathing problems and coughing blood (rare, but serious)

The following are examples of symptoms of malaise or general indisposition: Fever Fatigue

Helps all joint pain (arthralgia)

Loss of weight

Cutaneous symptoms could include:

Hair loss is a term used to describe the loss of a person's hair.

Firm, red, raised skin ulcers (erythema nodosum), almost always in front of the legs.

Cutaneous eruption

Scars that have been lifted or inflamed

Neurological symptoms may include:

Migraine

Convulsions paralysis Or Weakness or on one part of their face

Eye symptoms can include: Burning

Eye discharge

Dry eyes

Itch

Pain

Sight loss

Other symptoms of this disease can include:

Dry mouth

Fainting spells if the heart is compromised

Nosebleed

Swelling in the upper abdomen

Liver disease

Leg swelling if the heart and lungs are involved

Abnormal heart rhythm if the heart is involved

Exams and tests A physical examination and questions regarding your symptoms will be performed by the healthcare provider.

Sarcoidosis can be diagnosed using a variety of imaging tests: An x-ray of the chest is taken to examine if the lungs are affected or whether the lymph nodes are swollen. Gallium (Ga) lung scan CT scan of the chest (rarely done) The brain and liver are both subjected to imaging studies. An echocardiogram or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the heart.

A biopsy is required to diagnose this illness. A bronchoscope is frequently used to take a biopsy of the lung. Other body tissues may be biopsied as well.

The following tests can be performed in the laboratory: Calcium levels are high (urinary, ionized, blood) a full blood count Immunoelectrophoresis is a technique for detecting antibodies. Tests of liver function Quantitative immunoglobulins are immunoglobulins that are measured in terms of their quantity. Mix and match Angiotensin converting enzyme is a type of enzyme that converts angiotensin to (ACE)

Symptoms of sarcoidosis often improve on their own over time without therapy. Corticosteroid medication is frequently suggested if the eyes, heart, neurological system, or lungs are affected. The medicine will most likely need a period of one to two years to be used. Drugs that inhibit the immune system are sometimes employed as well. Some persons with end-stage lung or heart disease may require organ transplantation in rare situations.

Predictions (prognosis) Many people who have sarcoidosis aren't critically unwell and can recover on their own. Within three years, around half of the people become better without treatment. Lung injury can occur in those who have lung involvement.

Sarcoidosis has a low overall mortality rate of less than 5%. The following are some of the causes of death: Bleeding from the lungs Damage to the heart causes heart failure and irregular cardiac rhythms. Lung scarring is a condition in which the tissue of the lungs becomes scarred (pulmonary fibrosis)

Complications that could occur Sarcoidosis can lead to the following complications: Infections of the lungs caused by fungi (aspergillosis) Uveitis causes glaucoma and blindness (rare) High calcium levels in the blood and urine cause kidney stones. Osteoporosis and other side effects can occur if there is a Long-term use of corticosteroids. Hypertension in the lungs' arteries (pulmonary hypertension)

When should you seek medical help? If you have any of the following, check with your provider: Breathing problems Irregular heartbeat is a condition in which the heartbeat is irregular. Visional shifts Other signs and symptoms of this condition.