Sarcoidosis - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

Many people who have sarcoidosis have no symptoms or generally feel unwell. Symptoms will also depend on what organ is affected. Sarcoidosis most often affects the lungs and the lymph nodes in the chest. If inflammation continues, some people may have permanent scarring (fibrosis) that can cause life-threatening heart or lung problems.

Signs and symptoms

Many people have general symptoms, such as feeling depressed, very tired, and a general feeling of discomfort. You may also faint or have unexplained weight loss.

Lofgren’s syndrome is a classic set of signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis:

  • Swollen lymph nodes in your chest, neck, chin, armpits, or groin
  • A rash of small, itchy or painful bumps called erythema nodosum. They 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 may cause you to:

  • Wheeze
  • Cough
  • Feel short of breath
  • Have chest pain

However, you can have sarcoidosis in the lungs without these symptoms. Other symptoms based on the affected organ include:

  • Skin rashes or sores, such as bumps called 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 Americans more often than other groups.
  • Enlarged 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
Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis
Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis. The illustration shows some of the symptoms of sarcoidosis, including problems with the nervous system; burning, itching, or dry eyes; swollen salivary glands or lymph nodes. Other symptoms in the illustration include coughing, wheezing, or chest pain; a liver or spleen that is larger than normal; abdominal pain; muscle weakness and joint pain; and skin changes.

Complications

If untreated, or if the treatment does not work, sarcoidosis can cause serious complications, such as: