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Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease characterised by the growth of granulomas (collections of inflammatory cells), most commonly in the lungs and the lymph nodes. 

The cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but experts hypothesise that it results from response of the body’s immune system to an unknown substance. 


In mild cases, sarcoidosis doesn’t present any symptoms and goes away on its own. However, this disease can also last for many years and cause organ damage. 


The symptoms of sarcoidosis are dependent  on where the sarcoidosis is found. However, many patients also experience complications that are not directly related to the granulomas found on the organs. These symptoms include fatigue, vitamin D dysregulation, and small fiber neuropathy. 


Vitamin D dysregulation occurs due to an increase of an enzyme that converts the inactive form of vitamin D into the active form, raising vitamin D levels in the patient. 


Small fiber neuropathy is a type of peripheral neuropathy which causes an unpleasant tingling sensation or burning pain in the body. 


Beyond these symptoms, more than 70% of patients also report experiencing pain symptoms.



Sources:

https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/what-is-sarcoidosis/complications/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sarcoidosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350358

https://www.webmd.com/lung/arthritis-sarcoidosis

https://www.healthline.com/health/sarcoidosis

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/small-fiber-neuropathy

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