From the Guidelines
Sarcoidosis is likely triggered by a combination of environmental and genetic factors, including exposure to beryllium, aluminum, and other substances, as well as infectious agents and immune system dysregulation, as suggested by the 2006 Chest study 1. The exact cause of sarcoidosis remains unclear, but certain triggers have been identified.
- Occupational and environmental agents such as beryllium and aluminum have been linked to the development of sarcoidosis, with essentially identical clinical and pathologic features seen in berylliosis and aluminosis, as noted in the 2006 Chest study 1.
- Infectious agents, such as mycobacteria, may also play a role in triggering the disease.
- Genetic predisposition, particularly certain HLA types, is also a significant factor in the development of sarcoidosis.
- Immune system dysregulation, including T-cell responses and cytokine production, contributes to the formation of granulomas, a hallmark of the disease.
- Other potential triggers, such as insecticides, mold exposure, and certain medications, may also contribute to the development of sarcoidosis. Individuals with a family history of sarcoidosis or those working in environments with high exposure to implicated substances should be aware of the potential risks and monitor their respiratory health closely, as early detection can improve management outcomes, as implied by the discussion of pulmonary manifestations in the 2006 Chest study 1.
From the Research
Sarcoid Triggers
- Sarcoidosis is a chronic multisystemic inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology, and its triggers are not well understood 2.
- The decision to treat sarcoidosis with pharmacotherapy depends on the risk of organ failure and/or death and impairment of quality of life, but there is no clear evidence on what triggers the disease 2.
- Some studies suggest that drug-induced comorbidities or adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from drugs used in sarcoidosis treatment may be mistaken for symptoms associated with the disease itself, which can cause diagnostic dilemmas 2.
- There is no direct evidence on sarcoid triggers, but it is known that corticosteroids are the drug of choice for the treatment of sarcoidosis, and alternative medications are often considered due to the potential toxicities of corticosteroids 3.
- Other treatments such as methotrexate and azathioprine have been used as second-line therapy for sarcoidosis, with significant steroid-sparing potency and a similar positive effect on lung function 4, 5.
- The use of immunosuppressants and biologics for the treatment of sarcoidosis is also considered, especially for patients who are intolerant of or failing to improve with other treatments 6.