Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of granulomas, or tiny clumps of inflammatory cells, in one or more organs.
The body forms these tiny clumps of immune cells to protect itself when it thinks something is wrong. When the immune system goes into overdrive and too many clumps form, they can interfere with an organ’s structure and function. Patients begin to experience inflammation and, eventually, scarring, which can be detrimental.
While sarcoidosis most often impacts the lungs, it can affect almost any organ in the body. For example, cardiac sarcoidosis is when the condition involves the heart. Unfortunately, because the disease can appear in so many places, it can be difficult to diagnose. Sarcoidosis is often called “the great mimicker” because patients’ symptoms and experiences are seen with many other diseases.
Black women living with sarcoidosis bear the most significant burden compared to all other groups impacted by the disease.
Additional Resources:
What Is Sarcoidosis & Why It Impacts Black Women - CZI Blog (chanzuckerberg.com)