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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of sarcoidosis tend to vary, depending on which organs are affected and for how long you've had the disease. Sometimes sarcoidosis develops gradually and produces signs and symptoms that last for years. Or symptoms may appear suddenly and then disappear just as quickly. Many people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms, so the disease may not be discovered until you have a chest X-ray for another reason.
Generalized symptoms
For many people, sarcoidosis begins with the following signs and symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
Lung symptoms
Almost everyone who has sarcoidosis eventually experiences lung problems, which may include:
- Persistent dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
Skin symptoms
Up to 25 percent of the individuals who have sarcoidosis develop skin problems, which may include:
- Rash. A rash of red or reddish-purple bumps, most commonly located on the shins or ankles, may be warm and tender to the touch.
- Lesions. Disfiguring skin sores may occur on your nose, cheeks and ears.
- Color change. Areas of skin may get darker or lighter in color.
- Nodules. Growths just under the skin may develop, particularly around scars or tattoos.
Eye symptoms
Sarcoidosis can affect the eye without causing any symptoms, so it's important to have your eyes checked by a professional. When eye symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Severe redness
- Sensitivity to light
When to see a doctor
Sarcoidosis can cause blindness, so see your doctor promptly if you experience blurred vision, eye pain or extreme sensitivity to light.
- Sarcoidosis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/sarc/sar_whatis.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Ferri FF. Sarcoidosis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/196535409-4/986729825/2088/583.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00028-9--sc0020_11937. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Weinberger SE. Sarcoidosis. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/196535409-4/986729825/1492/382.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50100-2_4032. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Dempsey OJ, et al. Sarcoidosis. British Medical Journal. 2009;339:620.
- King TE. Patient information: Sarcoidosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 21, 2010.
- Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 5, 2010.
- King CS, et al. Treatment of sarcoidosis. Disease a Month. 2009;55:704.
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