Sarcoidosis Latest News
A peer-reviewed study published recently provides an in-depth analysis of sarcoidosis, highlighting its variable course and the factors that influence disease severity.
About Sarcoidosis
- Sarcoidosis is a condition that causes your immune system to overreact and make lumps or nodules called granulomas.
- A granuloma is an area of inflammation caused by your immune system.
- It’s made up of a cluster of white blood cells that have been “walled off” from the rest of your body to try to protect you from something your immune system thought was harmful.
- Granulomas are surrounded by fibrous (dense) tissue, which makes them feel hard and lumpy.
- Granulomas can be found almost anywhere in your body, but they’re most commonly found in your lungs or lymph nodes.
- They also can occur in the eyes, skin, heart, and other organs.
Sarcoidosis Cause
- Experts don't know the exact cause of sarcoidosis, but it's likely a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
- Some people appear to have gene changes that make them more likely to develop sarcoidosis.
- The condition may then be triggered by bacteria, viruses, dust, or chemicals.
- Their immune system overreacts to the trigger, causing inflammation that forms granulomas.
Sarcoidosis Symptoms
- Depending on location and size, granulomas can cause mild to severe symptoms or no symptoms at all.
- Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, tender sores on your shins, eye pain, and redness.
- Many cases go away on their own or with treatment, but sometimes it becomes a chronic condition.
- In some cases, they can turn into fibrosis, causing permanent lung scarring.
Sarcoidosis Treatment
- There is no cure for sarcoidosis, but most people do not need treatment.
- Sarcoidosis may go away on its own.
- Other people need treatment to lessen their body's immune system response.
- Sometimes sarcoidosis can last for years and may cause organ damage.
Source: TOI
Sarcoidosis FAQs
Q1: What is sarcoidosis?
Ans: Sarcoidosis is a condition that causes your immune system to overreact and make lumps or nodules called granulomas.
Q2: What are the main causes of sarcoidosis?
Ans: Experts don't know the exact cause of sarcoidosis, but it's likely a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
Q3: Sarcoidosis most commonly affects which organs?
Ans: Lungs and lymph nodes
Q4: In chronic cases, granulomas in sarcoidosis may develop into what?
Ans: Fibrosis (lung scarring)