Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis can affect people in different ways. Symptoms may develop gradually or go unnoticed at first. Sarcoidosis can involve several areas of the body and may need specialist assessment to understand what’s happening.

At Complete Health Australia, we offer a thorough evaluation and personalised care to help you make sense of your symptoms and decide on the most appropriate next steps.

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What is sarcoidosis?

Sarcoidosis is a condition that causes inflammation in different parts of the body. Inflammation is the body’s response to irritation, infection or injury.

With sarcoidosis, this inflammation leads to the formation of tiny clusters of immune cells called granulomas.

Granulomas can develop in organs such as the lungs, lymph nodes (small glands that help the body fight infection), skin or eyes. 

For some people, sarcoidosis doesn’t cause lasting problems and may improve on its own. For others, it can affect how an organ works and may need monitoring or treatment.

The exact cause of sarcoidosis isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought to involve an overactive immune response, possibly triggered by things in a person’s environment.

Sarcoidosis symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on which parts of the body are affected. Some people may have mild symptoms, while others may notice persistent changes that last longer or affect daily life.

Common symptoms can include:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest discomfort
• Fatigue or low energy
• Swollen lymph nodes, often in the neck or chest
• Skin changes, such as rashes or tender red bumps
• Eye irritation, redness or blurred vision
• Joint pain or stiffness

Ongoing symptoms can have many possible causes. If you’re experiencing symptoms that don’t feel typical for you, it’s worth seeking medical advice.

What causes sarcoidosis?

Experts don’t know exactly what causes sarcoidosis, but it’s linked to an unusual immune response. This means the immune system reacts in a way that causes inflammation in different parts of the body.

In some people, the immune system reacts more strongly than expected to a trigger. Instead of settling once the threat has passed, the immune response continues. This can lead to ongoing inflammation and the formation of granulomas in affected organs.

Factors that may play a role include:

• An overactive immune response that doesn’t switch off as it should
• Environmental triggers, such as infections, dust or certain chemicals
• A genetic tendency that may increase susceptibility in some people

It’s thought that sarcoidosis may develop when these factors interact, rather than from one cause alone. This helps explain why the condition affects people differently and why symptoms can vary in severity.

Sarcoidosis isn’t infectious, so it can’t be passed from person to person.

Diagnosing sarcoidosis

Diagnosing sarcoidosis can take time. Symptoms can overlap with other conditions and may affect different parts of the body. 

There isn’t one test that can confirm sarcoidosis on its own. Your specialist will use a mix of information to build a clear picture of your health and make a diagnosis.

This usually includes:

• A detailed discussion about your symptoms and medical history
• A physical examination to assess any visible or underlying signs
• Imaging tests, such as chest X-rays or CT scans, to look for inflammation or lymph nodes
• Blood tests to check for markers of inflammation and rule out other causes
• A biopsy, in some cases, where a small tissue sample is taken to check for granulomas

Depending on your symptoms, your specialist may recommend further tests for specific organs, such as lung function tests or eye examinations.

You may also have follow-up tests over time, especially if your symptoms develop gradually. These tests help your care team monitor any changes and support an accurate diagnosis.

By bringing these results together, your care team can confirm the diagnosis and guide you on the most appropriate next steps.

Sarcoidosis treatment

Treatment for sarcoidosis depends on which parts of the body it affects and how your symptoms are changing. Some people have milder symptoms that improve over time, so monitoring may be enough at first.

When treatment is recommended, the focus is on reducing inflammation, easing symptoms and protecting how well your organs work over time.

Treatment options may include:

• Monitoring with regular follow-up appointments to track changes and review symptoms
• Medications to reduce inflammation, most commonly corticosteroids, which help calm the immune system and limit further tissue damage
• Additional medicines that adjust the immune response if symptoms continue, return, or if steroids aren’t suitable long-term
• Targeted treatment for specific organs, such as the lungs, skin or eyes, if they’re affected

You may also have regular tests during treatment to check how well your body is responding and to monitor for any side effects.

Your care plan will be tailored to your situation. Your team will review it over time to make sure it continues to meet your needs.

Find personalised care with Complete Health Australia

If you’ve been diagnosed with sarcoidosis or you’re concerned about ongoing symptoms, our team is here to help you move forward with clarity. 

We’ll take the time to understand your situation and guide you through assessment, monitoring and treatment in a way that feels right for you. 

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Meet our specialists

Our specialists have extensive experience in assessing and managing conditions that affect more than one body system, including sarcoidosis. You’ll be supported by a team that takes a considered, individual approach to your care, helping you understand your diagnosis and plan the next steps with confidence. 
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