Sarcoidosis
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Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis Symptoms

Many people who have sarcoidosis have no symptoms, or they may feel unwell but without any obvious symptoms. Others may be depressed, feel very tired, or have a general feeling of discomfort. You may also faint or have unexplained weight loss.

Lofgren’s syndrome

Lofgren’s syndrome is a classic set of symptoms of sarcoidosis that includes:

  • Swollen  Lymph nodes  in your chest, neck, chin, armpits, or groin
  • A rash of small, itchy, or painful bumps called erythema nodosum that most commonly appear on your head, neck, or legs
  • Blurred vision, eye pain or redness, light sensitivity, or watery eyes
  • Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
  • Fever

Some people have Lofgren’s syndrome when they first develop sarcoidosis. This is most common in women between ages 30 and 40. It usually goes away completely within 2 years.

Sarcoidosis in the lungs

If you have sarcoidosis in the lungs, you may experience these symptoms:

  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain

However, you can have sarcoidosis in the lungs without these symptoms. For example, skin rashes or sores can include erythema nodosum (explained above) or lupus pernio. Lupus pernio causes skin sores that usually affect the face, especially the nose, cheeks, lips, and ears. These sores usually last a long time. Lupus pernio affects African American people more often than other groups.

Other symptoms

You may have other symptoms based on which organs are affected:

  • Larger than normal liver or spleen or jaundice, which can make your eyes or skin yellow
  • Nervous system problems, such as headache, dizziness, vision problems, seizures, mood swings, hallucinations, delusions, or nerve pain
  • Heart palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Muscle pain or soreness
  • Swollen salivary glands
Illustration of symptoms of sarcoidosis
This illustration shows some of the symptoms of sarcoidosis, including problems with the nervous system, eyes, and heart; skin changes; and swollen or larger than normal liver, salivary glands, or lymph nodes. 

 

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