Sarcoidosis is a condition that develops when groups of cells in your immune system form red and swollen (inflamed) lumps, called granulomas, in various organs in the body. The inflammation that leads to these granulomas can be caused either by infections or by certain things you come into contact with in your environment.
Sarcoidosis can affect any organ. Most often it affects the lungs and lymph nodes in the chest. You may feel extremely tired or he a fever. You may also he other symptoms depending on what organ is affected. Your doctor will diagnose sarcoidosis in part by ruling out other diseases that he similar symptoms.
Not everyone needs treatment. Treatment will depend on your symptoms and which organs are affected. Medicines can help treat the inflammation or lower your body鈥檚 immune response. Many people recover with few or no long-term problems. Sometimes the disease causes permanent scarring (fibrosis) in the lungs or other organs and can lead to life-threatening heart or lung problems.