Sarcoidosis Symptoms: Cough, Fatigue, Swollen Nodes and Testing

What it involves

MedlinePlus explains that sarcoidosis is a condition in which groups of immune system cells form small, inflamed lumps called granulomas. They can form in any organ but most commonly affect the lungs and the lymph nodes in the chest. Over time, sarcoidosis can cause permanent scarring of organs.

Who this is for

• Adults with a cough, wheezing or shortness of breath that has lasted for weeks.
• Patients with swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, fever or unexplained weight loss.
• People who were told a chest x-ray or scan showed enlarged lymph nodes or lung changes.
• Anyone with a family member who has sarcoidosis and new symptoms of their own.

What to expect

• Questions about symptoms, work and home exposures, family history and your medicines
• An exam that includes listening to your chest and checking lymph nodes, skin and joints
• Blood work, which the practice offers, and an EKG at the Loxahatchee and West Palm Beach offices if the heart is a concern
• A referral for a chest x-ray, scans, a biopsy or a lung specialist when needed

Why symptoms vary so much

Granulomas can form almost anywhere, so MedlinePlus notes that symptoms depend on which part of the body is affected. Many people have none at all, while others feel generally unwell. The general symptoms it lists are fatigue, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, depression, fever and night sweats. Tiredness is covered in the fatigue guide, and drenching sweats in the night sweats guide. Because the list is so broad, sarcoidosis is often found by chance or after other causes have been considered first.

Lungs, skin, eyes and the heart

In the lungs, MedlinePlus lists wheezing, cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. The persistent cough guide and the wheezing guide describe more common causes of the same symptoms. Elsewhere it can enlarge the liver or spleen, cause jaundice, and bring headache, dizziness, vision problems, numbness, joint pain and swelling, or rashes and growths under the skin. A racing or irregular heartbeat can also occur, which the heart palpitations guide explains. Vision changes are covered in the blurry vision guide.

Lofgren's syndrome

MedlinePlus describes a set of symptoms called Lofgren's syndrome that some people have when sarcoidosis first begins, and that usually goes away completely within 2 years. It can include swollen lymph nodes in the chest, neck, chin, armpits or groin, a rash of small itchy or painful bumps called erythema nodosum, eye pain, redness or blurred vision, joint pain and stiffness, and fever. Swollen glands are discussed in the swollen lymph nodes guide, which also lists when they need prompt attention.

Who is more likely to develop it

Anyone can develop sarcoidosis, but MedlinePlus says you are more likely to have it if you are older, especially over 55, live or work near insecticides, mold or similar substances, have a close relative with it, take certain medicines such as some HIV medicines and monoclonal antibodies, are of African or Scandinavian descent, or are female. Studies suggest infections and environmental substances might trigger the inflammation, and genes may affect how the immune system reacts. The cause is not fully known.

How it is evaluated

MedlinePlus says no single test can diagnose sarcoidosis and that its symptoms resemble many other conditions. A provider reviews your history, examines you, and checks lymph nodes, spleen, liver, skin and lungs. Tests may include chest x-rays, a biopsy of an affected organ, other imaging, and blood tests that check blood counts, hormone levels and kidney function. The practice offers blood work, as the liver function tests page and the kidney function tests page describe. X-rays and biopsies are arranged by referral. Tuberculosis can look similar, as the tuberculosis guide explains.

Treatment, follow-up and when to be seen

There is no cure, and MedlinePlus says the goal is remission. Some people need no treatment, and sometimes the condition goes away on its own. When treatment is needed, medicines can lower inflammation, calm an overactive immune response, or treat joint and skin problems, and complications may need other care. Regular follow-up matters even without symptoms. Call 911 or go to the ER for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting or a very fast or irregular heartbeat, and see a provider soon for new vision changes.

Sources

• MedlinePlus: Sarcoidosis