- Parents Home
- Para Padres
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Flu Center
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Newborn Center
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- Pregnancy Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- School & Family Life
- Sports Medicine Center
- Videos
- Kids Home
- Para Niños
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Feelings
- Getting Help
- Health Problems
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Heart Center
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Movies & More
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Q&A
- Recipes & Cooking
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Stay Safe Center
- Staying Healthy
- Staying Safe
- Videos
- Teens Home
- Para Adolescentes
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
A to Z: Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis (sahr-koi-DOH-sis) is a disease in which small clumps of cells (granulomas) form in certain organs of the body.
More to Know
Doctors believe the cause of sarcoidosis involves an immune system response to something in the environment. When the immune system senses a threat, it produces cells that clump together to form granulomas, which are a bit like tiny tumors. Granulomas can build up in an organ and affect the way that organ functions. Sarcoidosis can be found in just about any part of the body, but it often affects the lungs, skin, eyes, nervous system, heart, lymph nodes, and spleen.
Sometimes sarcoidosis doesn't cause any symptoms and is only discovered on a chest X-ray for another condition. In other cases, sarcoidosis can cause chest pain, breathing difficulties, dry cough, fatigue, fever, or skin rash. Severe sarcoidosis that goes untreated can eventually lead to lung damage, organ failure, and other complications.
Keep in Mind
Sarcoidosis is rare in young children. Many people with sarcoidosis need no treatment and improve on their own. Treatment, such as with steroids, is usually only necessary if the disease appears to be affecting the way organs function. People with severe sarcoidosis may need treatment for life.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995- The Nemours Foundation. KidsHealth® is a registered trademark of The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Images sourced by The Nemours Foundation and Getty Images.