Sarcoidosis

 
 

Overview

Characterized by the growth of granulomas, which are abnormal accumulations of inflammatory immune system cells called macrophages. Granulomas can appear in various parts of the body but are typically found in the lungs and lymph nodes.

Common Symptoms

Persistent dry cough, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, rashes, lesions, skin discoloration and growths. Symptoms and severity vary between individuals. Many people with sarcoidosis experience no symptoms.

Coexisting Diseases and Conditions

Hyperlipidemia, thyroid diseases, diabetes, bronchiectasis, neoplasm, osteoporosis, anemia, coronary heart disease, asthma, gastric/duodenal ulcers, allergy, sleep apnea, hypertension, chronic renal diseases, and COPD.

Risk Factors and Prevalence

African Americans are up to 3x more likely to be diagnosed with sarcoidosis. A family history of sarcoidosis has also been shown to increase incidence. Females are typically more at risk for developing the disease than males.

Sources

  1. Article Sources and Footnotes

    1. Denning, D. W., Pleuvry, A., & Cole, D. C. (2013). Global burden of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis complicating sarcoidosis. The European respiratory journal, 41(3), 621–626. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00226911.

    2. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019, January 30). Sarcoidosis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350358#:~:text=Sarcoidosis%20is%20a%20disease%20characterized,skin%2C%20heart%20and%20other%20organs. 

    3. Nowinski, A., Puscinska, E., Goljan-Geremek, A., Bednarek, M., Kaminski, D., & Gorecka, D. (2014, September 1). Comorbidities associated with sarcoidosis – Results from long-term observational study. European Respiratory Society. https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P461#:~:text=Most%20frequent%20of%20comorbidities%20were,%2C%20gastric%2Fduodenal%20ulcer%20N%3D.  

    4. Rose, N. R., & Mackay, I. R. (2020). The Autoimmune Diseases (6th ed., p. 1077-1078). Academic Press.