Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Sarcoidosis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which small clusters of inflammatory cells (granulomas) form in various organs, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Sarcoidosis"

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease in which small clusters of inflammatory cells (granulomas) form in various organs, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes.

What is Sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of small clusters of inflammatory cells known as granulomas in various organs of the body. It is also referred to as Boeck disease or Boeck sarcoid. While granulomas can develop in virtually any organ, the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, eyes, and liver are most commonly affected.

In many cases, sarcoidosis is mild or even asymptomatic and resolves on its own. However, in some individuals it can become chronic and lead to lasting organ damage.

Causes

The exact cause of sarcoidosis has not yet been fully determined. It is believed that a combination of genetic predisposition and external triggers – such as certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, or environmental substances – prompts an exaggerated immune response, which in turn leads to the formation of granulomas.

Genetic predisposition (familial clustering has been observed)
Infectious triggers (e.g., mycobacteria, Propionibacterium acnes)
Environmental factors (e.g., organic dust, mold, occupational exposures)
Dysregulation of the immune system

Symptoms

The symptoms of sarcoidosis vary widely depending on which organs are affected. Many individuals initially experience no or only non-specific complaints.

General Symptoms

Fatigue and exhaustion
Fever and night sweats
Unintentional weight loss

Lungs (most common manifestation)

Dry cough
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Chest pain or tightness

Other Possible Manifestations

Skin: Reddish nodules (erythema nodosum), lupus pernio
Eyes: Uveitis, redness, light sensitivity, visual disturbances
Heart: Cardiac arrhythmias, rarely heart failure
Nervous system: Facial nerve palsy, headaches
Joints: Joint pain and swelling

Diagnosis

Diagnosing sarcoidosis can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with many other conditions. It is often considered a diagnosis of exclusion. Common diagnostic methods include:

Chest X-ray and CT scan: To detect enlarged lymph nodes or lung abnormalities
Blood tests: Elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels, calcium levels, inflammatory markers
Tissue biopsy: Microscopic confirmation of granulomas from lymph nodes or lung tissue
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL): Analysis of cells in the airways
Eye examination: To detect or rule out ocular involvement
ECG and cardiac imaging: When cardiac involvement is suspected

Treatment

Not all cases of sarcoidosis require treatment. When symptoms are mild and vital organs are not at risk, a watchful waiting approach is often recommended. Treatment becomes necessary when important organs are significantly affected or the disease is progressing.

Pharmacological Treatment

Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone): The first-line treatment to suppress inflammation
Immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine): Used in chronic cases or when corticosteroids are not tolerated
Antimalarials (e.g., hydroxychloroquine): Particularly useful for skin and joint involvement
Biologics (e.g., infliximab): Reserved for treatment-resistant cases

Non-Pharmacological Measures

Regular medical follow-up and monitoring
Breathing exercises and physiotherapy for pulmonary involvement
Avoidance of known triggers (e.g., dust exposure, smoking)

Prognosis

In approximately 60–70% of patients, sarcoidosis resolves spontaneously within two to five years. However, a proportion of patients develop a chronic form of the disease. Serious complications such as pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac arrhythmias, or vision loss are rare but possible. Regular follow-up care is therefore essential.

References

Iannuzzi MC, Rybicki BA, Teirstein AS. Sarcoidosis. New England Journal of Medicine. 2007;357(21):2153–2165.
Statement on Sarcoidosis. Joint Statement of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), the European Respiratory Society (ERS) and the World Association of Sarcoidosis and Other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG). American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 1999;160(2):736–755.
Valeyre D, Prasse A, Nunes H, et al. Sarcoidosis. The Lancet. 2014;383(9923):1155–1167.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.

Most read entries

3 Posts in this encyclopedia category