Stages of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis and Causes of Sarcoidosis
The stages of pulmonary (lung) sarcoidosis are sometimes described using a technique known as the Siltzbach classification system.
It’s critical to understand that these phases don’t always correspond to severity. It’s not necessary for you to pass every level. They are based mostly on the appearance of your lungs on a chest X-ray where the granulomas are located.
Sarcoidosis patients may progress through several phases or experience total granuloma disappearance. Step four, or permanent lung damage, is the only step that cannot be reversed.
- Stage 0: X-rays do not show any pulmonary sarcoidosis. Your lungs and lymph nodes will appear normal on an X-ray
- Stage 1: Granulomas in only your lymph nodes
- Stage 2: Granulomas in your lungs and lymph nodes
- Stage 3: Granulomas in only your lungs
- Stage 4: X-rays show pulmonary fibrosis, or permanent scarring of your lungs
Though its precise cause is uncertain, research indicates that sarcoidosis is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics. We believe that certain individuals are predisposed to have an overactive immune system in response to specific triggers, or “antigens,” such as bacteria and viruses. Although sarcoidosis involves the immune system, it is not classified as an autoimmune disease.
Who will get sarcoidosis cannot be predicted because the exact gene and trigger combination responsible is unknown.