Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis vary depending on which organs are affected. Sarcoidosis sometimes develops gradually and produces symptoms that last for years. Other times, symptoms appear suddenly and then disappear just as quickly. Many people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms, so the disease may be discovered only when a chest X-ray is done for another reason.

General symptoms

Sarcoidosis can begin with these signs and symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Weight loss
• Pain and swelling in joints, such as the ankles

Lung symptoms

Sarcoidosis most often affects the lungs and may cause lung problems, such as:

• Persistent dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain

Skin symptoms

Sarcoidosis may cause skin problems, which may include:

• A rash of red or reddish-purple bumps, usually located on the shins or ankles, which may be warm and tender to the touch
• Disfiguring sores (lesions) on the nose, cheeks and ears
• Areas of skin that are darker or lighter in color
• Growths under the skin (nodules), particularly around scars or tattoos

Eye symptoms

Sarcoidosis can affect the eyes without causing any symptoms, so it's important to have your eyes checked regularly. When eye signs and symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Burning, itching or dry eyes
• Severe redness
• Sensitivity to light

Heart symptoms

Signs and symptoms related to cardiac sarcoidosis may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Fainting (syncope)
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
• Rapid or fluttering heart beat (palpitations)
• Swelling caused by excess fluid (edema)

Sarcoidosis can also affect calcium metabolism, the nervous system, the liver and spleen, muscles, bones and joints, the kidneys, lymph nodes, or any other organ.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms of sarcoidosis.