Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis

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)

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