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Sarcoidosis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lungs Breathing

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition characterized by the formation of granulomas, which can affect any organ but most commonly involves the lungs and lymph nodes.

What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a condition in which groups of cells in your immune system form small, red, and swollen (inflamed) lumps called granulomas. They can form in any organ in the body, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes, and can cause permanent scarring over time.

What causes sarcoidosis?

In sarcoidosis, the immune system's inflammatory response goes off track. Studies suggest this may be triggered by infections or environmental substances like insecticides and mold, with genetics influencing how the immune system reacts.

Who is more likely to develop sarcoidosis?

Risk factors include:

  • Being over age 55.
  • Living or working near insecticides, mold, or other inflammatory substances.
  • Having a close relative with the condition.
  • Taking certain medicines, such as some HIV medications or monoclonal antibodies.
  • Being of African or Scandinavian descent.
  • Being female.

What are the symptoms of sarcoidosis?

Many people have no symptoms. General symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, depression, fever, and night sweats.

Lung Symptoms

  • Wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Other Body Symptoms

  • Enlarged liver or spleen, jaundice, nervous system problems (headache, dizziness, vision issues, seizures, numbness), heart palpitations, joint pain, and skin rashes.

Lofgren's Syndrome

A specific set of symptoms that can occur at onset, including swollen lymph nodes, a painful rash called erythema nodosum, eye issues, joint pain, and fever.

How is sarcoidosis diagnosed?

Because no single test exists, providers use a combination of:

  • Medical history and physical exams (checking for swelling, rashes, or abnormal lung sounds).
  • Chest x-rays.
  • Biopsies of skin, lymph nodes, or lungs.
  • Blood tests to check blood counts, hormone levels, and kidney function.

What are the treatments for sarcoidosis?

There is no cure. The goal is remission, where the condition is present but causes no problems. Treatment depends on which organs are affected and may include:

  • Medicines to lower inflammation or treat an overactive immune response.
  • Treatments for joint pain or skin problems.
  • For complications: Surgery, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, or cardiac devices like pacemakers.

Regular follow-up care and healthy lifestyle changes are essential for managing the condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sarcoidosis and tuberculosis (TB) can look very similar on chest X-rays and both involve granulomas, which can lead to misdiagnosis. However, TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while sarcoidosis is a non-infectious inflammatory condition of unknown cause. Diagnosis typically involves ruling out TB through specific blood tests, sputum cultures, and skin tests. It is critical to distinguish between the two because TB requires antibiotic treatment, whereas sarcoidosis is managed with anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids.
Yes, approximately one-third of patients with sarcoidosis experience spontaneous remission, meaning the granulomas shrink and symptoms resolve without medication. This is particularly common in mild cases or those presenting with Löfgren's syndrome. However, another third may have chronic disease that requires long-term management, and the remaining third may have progressive disease that worsens over time. Regular monitoring is essential to determine if the condition is resolving or becoming active.
While there is no specific "sarcoidosis diet," managing inflammation and supporting lung health is key. Patients are often advised to avoid smoking and exposure to environmental irritants like dust, mold, and strong fumes. A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, may help support overall immune health. Additionally, staying hydrated helps keep mucus thin, making it easier to clear from the lungs, and moderate exercise can improve lung capacity, provided it does not trigger severe shortness of breath.
Cardiac sarcoidosis occurs when granulomas form in the heart muscle, which can disrupt electrical signals and lead to arrhythmias, heart block, or heart failure. Symptoms may be subtle and include unexplained palpitations, dizziness, fainting (syncope), or shortness of breath during exertion. Because these symptoms can mimic other common heart conditions, any new cardiac symptoms in a patient with known sarcoidosis warrant immediate evaluation, often including an MRI or cardiac biopsy, to assess for inflammation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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