Sarcoidosis

Evidence: Unconfirmed

Names

Sarcoidosis
Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease

Description

One way the immune system works is to surround an invader and keep it from harming the body. Those small clumps of immune system cells are called granulomas and they form as part of the body's inflammation response to foreign, potentially harmful, substances.

In sarcoidosis the inflammation process gets out of control, and granulomas form even though there is no foreign substance, and the number of granulomas increases. When left untreated, the granulomas harden and produce permanent scars, usually in the lungs but they can occur in other organs and tissues.

The symptoms of sarcoidosis depend on where the granulomas form. In some cases, the disease goes away on its own. In others, the disease may not progress clinically but individuals will still suffer from some symptoms that affect their quality of life. Up to a third of people diagnosed will require long-term treatment. Sarcoidosis is considered chronic in people whose disease remains active for more than 2-5 years; chronic sarcoidosis can be debilitating and life-threatening.

Sarcoidosis often starts with a set of symptoms collectively referred to as Lofgren’s Syndrome (see below).

Patient Groups

Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research

Bloggers

None