Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which tiny clusters of immune cells, called granulomas, form in the body. It most often affects the lungs and lymph nodes in the chest, but it can also involve the eyes, skin, heart, joints and other organs. The cause is unknown.
Symptoms may include:
- Dry cough and shortness of breath
- Fatigue and fever
- Skin rashes or bumps
- Eye redness, pain or blurred vision
- Swollen lymph nodes
Some people have no symptoms, and sarcoidosis is found on a chest X-ray done for another reason.
Diagnosis & Treatment
How we diagnose sarcoidosis
- Chest X-ray or CT scan
- EBUS bronchoscopy to biopsy lymph nodes and confirm the diagnosis
- Pulmonary function tests
- Screening for eye, heart and other organ involvement
Treatment options
Many people do not need treatment and improve on their own, with monitoring. When organs are affected, treatment may include corticosteroids or steroid-sparing medications. We monitor lung function and symptoms over time.
See also: Interstitial Lung Disease · Bronchoscopy & EBUS