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Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a rare disease that causes inflammation and scar tissue throughout the body, especially the lungs, lymph nodes, liver, skin, and eyes.

The cause of sarcoidosis is not known. It occurs most often in young and middle-aged adults.

Symptoms may include fever, body aches, swelling of the lymph glands, breathlessness, a reddish rash on the face, painful joints, and numbness. However, sometimes sarcoidosis does not cause any symptoms. It may lead to lung (respiratory) failure and heart problems in some cases.

Sarcoidosis may require long-term treatment (lasting months to years) with corticosteroids and other medicines, especially if it causes severe breathing problems or affects the brain and heart.

Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD
- Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: May 25, 2007
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.