Sarcoidosis is a disease that causes small lumps called granulomas to form in different parts of the body, most often in the lungs and lymph nodes. These lumps are made of cells from the immune system and can cause swelling and damage to organs over time.

Causes

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes sarcoidosis, but it may be linked to:

• The immune system reacting too strongly to something in the environment
• Genetics (it can run in families)
• Infections or exposure to certain chemicals

Symptoms

Sarcoidosis can affect many parts of the body, so symptoms can vary. Common ones include:

• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Chest pain
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rashes or bumps
• Eye problems like redness or blurred vision