Read Current Affairs
- Why in News?
- A recent peer-reviewed study has shed light on sarcoidosis, offering insights into its unpredictable course and the factors that determine disease severity.
- About Sarcoidosis:
- Sarcoidosis is an immune-related disorder where the body forms small clumps of inflammatory cells called granulomas. These nodules, made up of white blood cells surrounded by fibrous tissue, are most commonly found in the lungs and lymph nodes, but can also affect the skin, eyes, heart, and other organs.
- Causes & Triggers:
- The exact cause remains unknown, though a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers—such as bacteria, viruses, dust, or chemicals—appears likely. The immune system overreacts to such triggers, resulting in persistent inflammation.
- Symptoms & Outlook:
- Sarcoidosis can cause cough, breathlessness, skin rashes, or eye irritation, though some patients remain asymptomatic. While many cases resolve spontaneously, others become chronic and may progress to fibrosis, leading to permanent lung damage.
- Treatment:
- There is no cure, but immunosuppressive therapies help manage severe or persistent cases.