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Sarcoidosis is a disease that develops in the body as a result of chronic inflammation. It is not known why some people develop this illness, which is really the result of a malfunctioning immune system. Sarcoidosis affects both men and women, but you are at greater risk if you are of African-American, German, Irish, Puerto Rican, or Scandinavian descent. In healthy individuals, the immune system protects the body by sending cells to attack harmful bacterial or viral invaders, causing inflammation at the affected site. When the danger has passed, the inflammation goes away. In those with sarcoidosis the inflammation does not go away, and instead causes cells to clump together in lumps called granulomas. People with sarcoidosis may develop granuloma lumps in multiple organs. Oftentimes the granulomas disappear on their own, but not always. In about one third of those with sarcoidosis there is some form of permanent organ damage, and there have been cases in which sarcoidosis is fatal, most often when the lungs, brain, or heart are affected. While granulomas most commonly appear first in the lungs and lymph nodes, sarcoidosis can cause lumps in any organ, including the liver, kidneys, central nervous system, and skin. Some people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms and require no treatment, and this disease can go into remission, sometimes for up to 10 years. However, many people with sarcoidosis, particularly those who have suffered considerable damage or scarring to an organ, find their health is permanently compromised. Common early signs of sarcoidosis include shortness of breath, persistent cough, eye inflammation, arthritis and a red or purple rash. Other symptoms of sarcoidosis are less specific, such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, or fever. People with sarcoidosis tend to suffer from depression, particularly is the disease has begun to damage the central nervous system. Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone have been effective for treatment of sarcoidosis, because they help to relax the body’s immune system response. With the help of medication, most people with this disease are able to lead normal lives. It is also important that people with sarcoidosis visit their physician regularly, and avoid exposure to smoke and pollutants, as well as any other substance to which they have a known sensitivity. 
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