Signs and Symptoms
The severity of sarcoidosis and the symptoms a person experiences depend upon the tissues and organs affected. A person may have no symptoms or may have nonspecific findings such as:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Joint pain
Signs and symptoms associated with specific organs are listed below.
Lungs
The American Lung Association estimates that as many as 90% of those with sarcoidosis will have lung involvement. Lung tissues may stiffen and scar tissue may develop. Those affected may have:
- Dry cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Skin
Up to 25% of those with sarcoidosis have skin problems, including:
- Sores on or near the cheeks, ears, nose, and eyelids
- A raised, reddish, bumpy rash on the ankles or shins that may itch or be tender and warm
- Discolored skin
- Inflammation and nodules around scars
Eyes
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye pain and itching
- Burning and redness
- Tears
- Inflammation
Heart
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Congestive heart failure
Brain and Nervous System
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Decreased coordination and tremors
Muscle and Bone
- Pain
- Joint stiffness
Sarcoidosis can also cause kidney and liver dysfunction, an enlarged liver or spleen, and swollen salivary glands. Granulomas produce activated vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D), which causes the intestines to absorb more calcium, leading to increased calcium in the blood and urine and the formation of kidney stones. In rare cases, it may cause kidney failure.
