{"id":9392,"date":"2019-08-18T12:41:28","date_gmt":"2019-08-18T12:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=9392"},"modified":"2021-06-21T20:06:40","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T20:06:40","slug":"16-known-symptoms-of-sarcoidosis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/16-known-symptoms-of-sarcoidosis\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Known Symptoms of Sarcoidosis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease. In patients with sarcoidosis, granulomas \u2014 a fancy word for inflammatory cells \u2014 will begin to grow and collect in a certain region of your body. The two most common targets of sarcoidosis are the lymph nodes and lungs. That being said, it can also adversely impact your other organs such as the heart, skin, eyes, and more. As of the present date, the exact cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown to doctors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, some experts have suggested the possibility that it develops as a result of the immune system trying to fight off unknown substances. There have been some studies showing that chemicals, infectious agents, dust, and atypical reactions to proteins in the body may be the cause of the formulation of these granulomas \u2014 particularly in patients with a genetic predisposition. Here are eight of the most common symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Swollen lymph nodes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many viruses and bacteria could lead to the swelling of your lymph nodes, and sarcoidosis <\/a>is no exception. While swollen lymph nodes are often associated with cancer, it\u2019s actually relatively rare for them to be of cancer-related origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some cases of swelling will be localized to a specific area. In other cases where the swelling of lymph nodes is more generalized throughout your entire body then you may be dealing with an infection like HIV or an immune disorder such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors often don\u2019t rely on swollen lymph nodes for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis due to the fact that so many different viruses can cause it. In fact, measles, strep throat, and tuberculosis can all also cause swollen lymph nodes, making it an unreliable indicator of sarcoidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Lesions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One symptom that is more characteristic of sarcoidosis is the lesions <\/a>that it causes. These are known as cutaneous lesions because they exist on the exterior of the skin. They can develop in various places, but these disfiguring sores are commonly found on the ears, cheeks, and nose. It\u2019s pretty frustrating to treat these lesions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever sarcoidosis affects your skin, it has the potential to develop over 20 different types of skin lesions. While these lesions are unsightly and can make living a normal life difficult, they do serve a purpose. It makes the diagnosis of sarcoidosis far easier for doctors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we mentioned above, swollen lymph nodes hold too many causes to provide a diagnosis. Internal sarcoidosis can also look like tuberculosis or Crohn\u2019s disease making the diagnosis process very difficult. In contrast, it\u2019s relatively easier to diagnosis sarcoidosis through the lesions that it forms on the skin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Eye irritation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When sarcoidosis affects the eyes it is known as ocular sarcoidosis. Yes, hardly creative but clarity is often favored in the world of medicine. Around half of all sarcoidosis cases are ocular which is a stunning number considering the volume of these cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neurosarcoidosis which is sarcoidosis of the nervous system can also affect your vision by causing damage to the optic nerve<\/a>. The tear glands will also become inflamed in most cases of ocular sarcoidosis. Other symptoms could include photophobia, which is sensitivity to light. Burning eyes also occur in some patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are already confirmed to have sarcoidosis then begin to exhibit ocular symptoms will most likely have ocular sarcoidosis. The Schirmer test may also be used to see if the eye is in fact inflamed. This test is highly effective at analyzing the tear glands of the eyes as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Arrhythmias and palpitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both arrhythmias <\/a>and palpitations can develop as a result of the sarcoidosis if it reaches the heart. Sarcoidosis affecting the heart is known as cardiac sarcoidosis. Arrhythmias refer to an irregular heartbeat while palpitations, on the other hand, is the term used to describe either a fluttering or rapid heartbeat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your heartbeat is coordinated by electrical impulses, and when these impulses aren\u2019t functioning properly then your heart could beat too slow, fast, or in otherwise irregular manners. One type of arrhythmia known as ventricular fibrillation \u2014 often shortened to VFib \u2014 is particularly deadly as it causes the heart to shiver rather than pumping blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A high percentage of these cases are fatal. Cardiac sarcoidosis can lead to various types of arrhythmias and thus be very dangerous to the overall health of your heart. If you notice frequent palpitations without any clear cause then it may be due to cardiac sarcoidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Edema<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Edema, which is sometimes also spelled as edema, is an irregular buildup of fluid within your body leading to swelling<\/a>. Your skin may take on a shiny or stretchy look as a result of this. Other characteristic signs of edema include a sudden increase in your abdominal size and swelling of your limbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s worth noting that much like swollen lymph nodes, edema isn\u2019t typically used to diagnose sarcoidosis as it can have many other causes and is also rather rare in sarcoidosis patients. Milder cases of edema can even develop as a result of eating too much sodium or remaining in the same position for an extended period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medications used to treat hypertension as well as NSAIDs could also lead to edema. Studies have shown that estrogens and steroids may also lead to edema. As you can see, with so many different factors that could cause edema as a symptom, it\u2019s not very infallible for a sarcoidosis diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Skin growths<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients with sarcoidosis will often notice the formation of nodules beneath their skin. These nodules <\/a>have a tendency to form around areas with scar tissue as well as close to tattoos. You\u2019ll find that these nodules are often firm in textures and will be asymptomatic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain colors of your tattoo or tattoos can also be more vulnerable to the formation of sarcoidosis nodules. Green areas are less prominently affected while black, blue, and red areas seem to be favored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is due to the fact that certain pigments will serve as a nidus for the formation of granulomas. Any nodules that form should be noted and shown to your doctor so that they can re-evaluate the progression of your sarcoidosis. Your doctor isn\u2019t psychic and they rely on your reporting to provide the best possible treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Ankle rash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rashes <\/a>can also form as a result of sarcoidosis. After all, it\u2019s called an inflammatory disease for a reason. That being said, the rashes that form due to sarcoidosis have a specific look to them. You\u2019ll notice that these rashes will consist of either reddish-purple or red bumps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bumps may be tender when touched and also warm. Rashes that form as a result of sarcoidosis also have a preference when it comes to where<\/em> they form. You\u2019ll find that most rashes will be either around the shins or the ankles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice rashes that match up with the criteria we\u2019ve listed then it would be a good idea to show it to your doctor as they may be caused by sarcoidosis and be valuable in the diagnosis process. If you are confirmed to have sarcoidosis and notice these rashes then reporting it to your doctor is still advised so they can monitor the progression of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Swollen joints<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients with sarcoidosis often suffer from swelling and pain in their joints<\/a>. Much like with the previous symptom we covered, the ankle area is favored in the development of inflamed joints. Cases of sarcoidosis that lead to an inflammation of the joints are referred to as sarcoid arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with sarcoid arthritis are often treated with NSAIDs, which is ironic since it can lead to the development of edema which we covered in an earlier section of this article. The easiest way to distinguish between sarcoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is by looking at the location of the inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it is generalized then it is likely rheumatoid arthritis. If, however, it is localized to your ankles and surrounding areas then you may be dealing with a case of sarcoid arthritis. If you are confirmed to have sarcoidosis and notice the swelling or inflammation of the ankle joints then you should report it to your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients that experience the onset of sarcoidosis may find that they start to feel tired as the condition intensifies in the body. The disorder may affect red blood cells, as the immune system produces white blood cells that identify healthy tissues and blood vessels as pathogens by mistake. As a result, the patient has fewer RBCs and less hemoglobin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hemoglobin <\/a>is vital for oxygen transportation throughout the body. Patients with low hemoglobin levels experience the onset of anemia symptoms. As the brain does not get enough oxygen, it begins to experience the beginning of cognitive disturbance. As a result, the patient develops \u201cbrain fog,\u201d as well as impaired decision-making abilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat the symptoms of anemia by using medication designed to increase RBC formation and boost hemoglobin levels. In most cases, patients make a full recovery from their symptoms in a week or so, depending on the severity of the underlying condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Weight Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the onset of sarcoidosis may find that they start to lose weight. This symptom of the disorder can occur even if there is no change in diet in the affected individual. The swelling in the lymph nodes and disruption in lymphocyte filtering in the neck due to sarcoidosis may put pressure in the thyroid gland, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism<\/a>. The condition may also occur alongside Graves\u2019 disease as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who develop Graves\u2019 disease, another autoimmune disorder affecting the hormone production of the thyroid, find that they start to experience an imbalance of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. T3, T4, and FSH are vital hormones that regulate metabolism and help to balance energy levels in the body. People with hyperthyroidism experience an overproduction of these hormones, resulting in weight loss in the affected individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat the symptoms of hyperthyroidism using medications to regulate the patient\u2019s thyroid hormone levels in the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Persistent Coughing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sarcoidosis is most known to affect the brain and the lungs. When the masses begin to occur in lung tissue, the affected individual may start to develop a cough. The coughing symptoms persist and intensify as the granulomas start to cause significant amounts of inflammation in the lung tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no cure for sarcoidosis, and patients that experience the onset of the disorder in the lungs, are at a high risk of dying from the condition. The granulomas caused by sarcoidosis continue to grow in the lung tissues, causing scarring and a loss of lung capacity in the affected individual. As the condition progresses, the granulomas interrupt the normal gas exchange in the lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the inflammation caused by the disorder, patients may continue to cough<\/a>. Many may attempt to self-medicate or ask their doctor for medications to stop the coughing symptoms. The use of home remedies and prescription medication will provide the patient with little to no relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Shortness of Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who experience the onset of sarcoidosis may experience issues with the respiratory system<\/a>. The lungs are one of the most common sites for the growth of the granulomas associated with the condition. Granulomas invade healthy cells, causing growths to occur in the lung tissues. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the patient has a high risk of dying from the effects of the granulomas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the sarcoidosis spreads in the lungs, the granulomas start to interrupt the normal function of the lungs. As a result, the patient may begin to develop a cough, which continues to persist. The patient may also start to notice that they develop shortness of breath after physical exertion. The patient may feel out of breath during mild exertion, such as walking up the stairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shortness of breath symptom is a sign that the granulomas are spreading in the lungs. The patient requires immediate medical attention to discuss strategies to prevent the progression of the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Wheezing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, one of the most common regions of the body affected by sarcoidosis is the lungs. The disorder causes changes in lung tissue cells, resulting in the onset of cell abnormalities that form masses known as granulomas. These granulomas affect the functionality of the lungs. As a result of the granulomas<\/a>, the affected individual may start to experience trouble with breathing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A persistent cough and shortness of breath are among the first signs of the disorder. At this stage of the condition, affected individuals are facing a life-threatening situation. The patient starts to experience the onset of failure of the lungs., They may begin to wheeze when the body is at rest, and the symptoms of persistent coughing may intensify. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients may require treatment with oxygen therapy to help them push fresh oxygen into the bloodstream. Patients at this stage of the condition require extensive monitoring by medical professionals. It\u2019s essential to receive a regular checkup and stick to the treatment program laid out by your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Petechiae<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients who are dealing with the onset of sarcoidosis notice many changes in the skin. We already discussed how the condition could cause the onset of ankle rashes and lesions. However, sarcoidosis also causes the beginning of petechiae <\/a>as well. As the sarcoidosis causes abnormalities in skin cells, it leads to the development of what looks like mild internal bleeding under the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the condition progresses, these mild symptoms of bleeding under the skin start to form flat spots that look like a rash. One of the most common sites for the development of petechiae is on the top of the eyelids. Petechiae emerge as a result of an underlying health disorder, in this case, sarcoidosis. Doctors use the presence of the spots as confirmation of their diagnosis during your consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Petechiae do not cause any permanent scarring of the skin, and they don\u2019t present the same itching symptoms like most other rashes. However, people who are living with sarcoidosis may experience a reoccurrence of the spots from time to time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Blurred Vision<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another one of the signs that sarcoidosis is affecting the tissues in the brain is the development of vision problems. As the granulomas start to cause inflammation in brain tissues, they begin to put pressure on various regions of the brain, depending on the site of the growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the growths occur near the front or sides of the brain, it may place pressure on the optic nerve<\/a> leading from the brain to the eyeball. As a result of the growth getting in the way, the patient may start to experience blurred vision. If left undiagnosed and unmanaged, the patient may begin to experience temporary blindness as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When these symptoms start, it\u2019s common for the patient to lose their eyesight in the affected eye eventually. Patients may require surgery to remove the growths and the pressure on the eye. However, even if the operation is successful, there is a high chance of the growths reoccurring at the same site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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16. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is a group of risk factors<\/a> that make some people more predisposed to developing sarcoidosis than others. If you find yourself mentioned among the high-risk groups below, and you start to notice the onset of any of the symptoms mentioned above, arrange a consultation with your doctor. Anyone can develop sarcoidosis, but being in any of these groups increases your risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who are between the ages of 20 and 60-years old are most at risk of developing sarcoidosis. Children can also develop the disorder, but cases are less common. Women are also at a higher risk of developing the condition than men. Doctors are still at a loss to explain why the disorder is selective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People of Northern European and African descent are more likely to develop sarcoidosis. Research shows that African American men are more likely to have the disorder migrate to multiple organs in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If any of your family members have sarcoidosis, then there is a chance you will develop the condition as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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