The lungs are the most commonly affected, but these patches of inflammation can also occur in the lymph glands, skin, liver, eyes and heart, or nearly every part of the body. While its cause is unknown, much is understood about the ailment. Sarcoidosis is believed to be caused by an unusual response of the immune system. The complaints that bring most patients to a doctor are shortness of breath or a persistent cough caused by sarcoidosis involving the lung. Less commonly, persons may suddenly develop fever, weakness and painful lumps on the skin, at times with shortness of breath.
Sarcoidosis can occur at any age and in people of any race.
An old belief that it is more common in blacks has been disproved. It most commonly affects adults between the ages of 20 and 50. To evaluate a patient, the physician will obtain a chest X-ray, looking for speckled areas of inflammation in the lung and swollen glands in the center of the chest. A CT scan and gallium scan may be helpful in diagnosis and help guide treatment. When patients have only a mild cough, inhaled medications from a pump may be sufficient.