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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffSigns and symptoms of sarcoidosis vary, depending on which organs are affected. Sarcoidosis sometimes develops gradually and produces symptoms that last for years. Other times, symptoms appear suddenly and then disappear just as quickly. Many people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms, so the disease may be discovered only when you have a chest X-ray for another reason.
Generalized symptoms
For many people, sarcoidosis begins with these 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
As many as 25 percent of people who have sarcoidosis develop skin problems, which may include:
- Rash. A rash of red or reddish-purple bumps, usually located on the shins or ankles, which 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 eyes without causing any symptoms, so it's important to have your eyes checked. When eye symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Severe redness
- Sensitivity to light
When to see a doctor
Although sarcoidosis is not always serious, it can cause long-term damage to your organs. See your doctor if you experience signs and symptoms suggestive of sarcoidosis.
- Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2013:5 Books in 1. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-08373-7..00002-9&isbn=978-0-323-08373-7&about=true&uniqId=343863096-23. Accessed Oct. 31, 2012.
- Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Oct. 31, 2012.
- Baughman RP, et al. A concise review of pulmonary sarcoidosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Clinical Care Medicine. 2011;183:573.
- AskMayoExpert. What is the treatment for sarcoidosis? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
- AskMayoExpert. Is sarcoidosis considered an urgent situation? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
- AskMayoExpert. What are the clinical symptoms of sarcoidosis? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
- O'Regan A, et al. Sarcoidosis. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2012;156:ICT5:1.
- AskMayoExpert. If sarcoidosis is suspected, should the patient be referred to a pulmonologist? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
- Morgenthau AS, et al. Recent advances in sarcoidosis. Chest. 2011;139:174.
- AskMayoExpert. What clinical tests should be performed when sarcoidosis is suspected? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
- AskMayoExpert. What are the considerations for treatment of sarcoidosis symptoms? Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
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