Sarcoidosis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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AMBULATORY CARE:

Sarcoidosis

is a condition that causes inflammatory cells to collect in tissues and organs. These cells form granulomas (lumps). Any organ can be affected, but the lungs are the most common.

Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis

often include weight loss, weakness, fever, and fatigue (feeling mentally and physically tired). You may have swollen, painful lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, or groin. Granulomas may cause other signs and symptoms, depending on where they form:

• Problems thinking, remembering things, or controlling your feelings and actions
• Trouble hearing, headaches, and seizures
• Eye pain, swelling, and vision changes
• Chest pain, abnormal heartbeats, or your heart may stop beating
• A cough, trouble breathing, and hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Painful, swollen, red, and warm joints, muscles, and bones
• Flat or raised lumps in your skin, and red lumps on the front of your legs
• Yellow skin, kidney stones, or abdominal pain

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You cannot feel your arms or legs, or they become weak.
• You have seizures.
• You have sudden trouble breathing.
• You have severe chest pain.

Seek care immediately if:

• You have trouble thinking and remembering things.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Call your doctor or specialist if:

• You have a fever.
• You have a severe headache and pain in your neck.
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• You have pain, redness, and swelling in your muscles and joints.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Treatment:

Sarcoidosis usually does not need treatment. The following may help prevent or relieve your symptoms:

• Medicines may be given to treat pain, swelling, or fever. Medicines may also be given to help your heart beat properly or to slow your immune system.
• Surgery may be used to remove granulomas that cause severe signs and symptoms. Healthcare providers may use lasers (light beams) or dermabrasion to remove or smooth skin lumps.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• prednisone
• Acthar
• Imuran
• Kenalog-40
• Azasan

View more treatment options

Manage sarcoidosis:

• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
• Be physically active, as directed. Ask your healthcare provider about the best physical activity plan for you. Physical activity may help decrease fatigue and improve your symptoms.
• Do not smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause blood vessel and lung damage. Ask your provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your provider before you use these products.

Follow up with your doctor or specialist as directed:

You may need to return to have checkups and eye exams. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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