Sarcoidosis Symptoms

The symptoms of sarcoidosis vary significantly between patients due to the size, number and location of the nodules that characterize the health condition. There may be one area of the body that is most affected – usually the lungs and chest area – or several body organs that may lead to specific symptoms.

Some people with the condition do not experience troublesome symptoms, and the diagnosis is made on X-ray findings alone. For other patients, the symptoms may be debilitating and require ongoing management for normal daily activities.

Often symptoms develop over a short period of time and improve spontaneously without treatment, known as acute sarcoidosis. Some patients find that symptoms gradually worsen over time to become more severe, known as chronic sarcoidosis.

General Symptoms

There are some symptoms that affect many patients that are considered general, as they are not linked to the formation of nodules in a particular area of the body. These include:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Headache

More commonly, specific symptoms develop due to the formation of nodules in specific areas of the body.

Lungs

The lungs are one of the most common areas of the body to lead to symptoms, affecting approximately 9 of 10 people with sarcoidosis. This may present as:

• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Persistent dry cough
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Hemoptysis

Skin

Approximately 25% of patients experience skin changes due to granulomas in or near the skin. This may include:

• Erythema nodosum: particularly common rash on shins
• Lupus pernio – rash on nose, cheeks, chin or ears
• Tender red bumps or patches on skin

Heart

The heart can be affected by nodules forming directly in the heart tissue, or due to changes that arise from nodules in the neighboring lungs. Cardiac symptoms may include:

• Bradycardia
• Arrhythmia
• Enlarged right side of heart (due to lung changes)
• Cardiomyopathy

Changes to the heart and cardiomyopathy can lead to potentially fatal outcomes such as heart failure and should, therefore, be established as soon as possible for appropriate management.

Nervous System

Symptoms that may arise as a result of nodules forming in or near nerves may include:

• Dysphagia
• Drooping of face
• Vision problems
• Hearing problems
• Numbness
• Prickling sensation
• Meningitis

Eyes

Patients with nodules close to their eyes may experience related symptoms such as:

• Uveitis
• Red eyes
• Painful eyes
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision

It is important for patients with sarcoidosis that notice changes in their eyesight to seek medical attention immediately to reduce the risk of lasting damage.

Other Specific Symptoms

According to the location of the granulomas, there are several other specific organs or areas of the body that may be affected. These include:

• Lymph glands – swollen lumps under the arms, in the neck or in the groins, which are usually evident on with X-ray imaging.
• Kidneys – increased concentration of calcium in the blood may lead to the formation of kidney stones.
• Liver and spleen– enlargement can result in abnormal blood clotting factors and anaemia.
• Bones – can be affected by cysts and cause significant pain
• Muscles – can become inflamed
• Joints – lead to chronic pain in the area

References

• http://patient.info/health/sarcoidosis-leaflet
• http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sarcoidosis/Pages/Introduction.aspx
• http://www.healthline.com/health/sarcoidosis#Symptoms2
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoidosis/basics/symptoms/con-20022569
• http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sarc/signs

Further Reading

• All Sarcoidosis Content
• Sarcoidosis – What is Sarcoidosis?
• Sarcoidosis Diagnosis
• Sarcoidosis Treatment
• Sarcoidosis Prognosis

Written by

Susan Chow

Susan holds a Ph.D in cell and molecular biology from Dartmouth College in the United States and is also a certified editor in the life sciences (ELS). She worked in a diabetes research lab for many years before becoming a medical and scientific writer. Susan loves to write about all aspects of science and medicine but is particularly passionate about sharing advances in cancer therapies. Outside of work, Susan enjoys reading, spending time at the lake, and watching her sons play sports.