What Causes Sarcoidosis?
The cause of sarcoidosis isn't known. More than one
factor may play a role in causing the disease.
Some researchers think that sarcoidosis develops
when your immune system responds to a trigger, such as bacteria, viruses, dust,
or chemicals.
Normally, your immune system defends your body
against foreign or harmful substances. For example, it sends special cells to
protect organs that are in danger.
These cells release chemicals that recruit other
cells to isolate and destroy the harmful substance. Inflammation occurs during
this process. Once the harmful substance is destroyed, the cells and the
inflammation go away.
In people who have sarcoidosis, the inflammation
doesn't go away. Instead, some of the immune system cells cluster to form lumps
called granulomas in various organs in your body.
Genetics also may play a role in sarcoidosis.
Researchers believe that sarcoidosis occurs if:
- You have a certain gene (or certain genes) that
raise your risk for the disease
- And
- You're exposed to something that triggers your
immune system
Triggers may vary depending on your genetic makeup.
Certain genes may influence which organs are affected and how severe your
symptoms are.
Researchers continue to try to pinpoint the genes
that are linked to sarcoidosis.
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