ABSTRACT
Sarcoidosis is recognized as a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown origin characterized by noncaseating granulomas and infiltration by activated, cytokine-producing T cells and macrophages at sites of inflammation. Although the disease most commonly affects the lower respiratory tract and intrathoracic lymph nodes, symptomatic involvement of the upper respiratory tract including the nose, sinuses, larynx, or trachea is seen in approximately 10% of patients and is responsible for considerable morbidity. Involvement of the intrathoracic airways in sarcoidosis is common and typically presents with dyspnea, cough, and airflow limitation. This chapter reviews the spectrum of manifestations of sarcoidosis of the upper respiratory tract and lower airways, as well as the state of our knowledge regarding the immunopathogenesis of sarcoidosis and new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of this disease.
