Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by small growths or lumps that can appear almost anywhere inside or outside the body.

Causes

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. Research suggests, however, that it is an autoimmune disease one in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells, tissues, and organs of a person's own body

Symptoms

The symptoms of sarcoidosis can vary greatly, depending on which organs are involved, symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Cough
  Chest discomfort
• Fatigue
• Anorexia
• Weight loss
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Raised red lesions of the skin
• Purple skin plaques
• Blue or purple shiny lesions on the face, fingers, or knees
• Blurry vision
• Enlarged liver.
• Swollen and painful joints
• Eye pain from light
• Enlarged glands in front of the ears
   

Treatment

Many cases of sarcoidosis resolve without treatment. Drug treatments are used to relieve symptoms and reduce the inflammation of the affected tissues. The oral corticosteroid prednisone is the most commonly used treatment. Fatigue and persistent cough are usually improved with steroid treatment. Patients are only treated with steroids when the problems caused by sarcoidosis are particularly serious. Other treatment options include methotrexate and Plaquenil and other drugs.