Granulomas are clusters of white blood cells and  certain other components that prevent harmful microbes or foreign entities from entering one’s body. Lung granulomas form when the organ experiences infections or inflammation. They look like grainy nodules formed from immune cells and are often diagnosed accidentally during X-rays or other investigations. This condition is common in people with tuberculosis or Crohn’s disease. Some lung granulomas might also contain calcium deposits and are known as calcified granulomas.

Shortness of breath

Known by professionals as dyspnea, shortness of breath is a commonly experienced symptom of lung granulomas. Most patients describe it as an unpleasant tightness of the chest.

This chest tightness can affect day-to-day activities like walking or climbing. The tightness can result from an obstructed airway, reduced lung compliance, and inflammatory processes. Granulomas occurring inside or near the airways can partially block the airflow. It could lead to one feeling breathless. In addition, granulomas can cause the lung tissue to turn stiff. It reduces the elasticity of the tissue, hindering its ability to expand or contract properly when breathing. Apart from these, the higher inflammation levels caused by the granuloma can also trigger breathlessness. The body’s inflammatory response to the granuloma can irritate the airways.  The severity of the symptoms will vary depending on the  number and size of granulomas and the area where one lives.

For some patients, it might be constant discomfort, while for others, it may worsen with exertion. If one experiences sudden or progressively worsening shortness of breath, especially at rest, seeking immediate healthcare attention is crucial.

Wheezing

Wheezing is described as a high-pitched whistling sound produced during breathing. Wheezing can indicate several health conditions, including lung granulomas. The sound is made when the airways are narrowed, and the air does not have a smooth passage to flow through. The narrow can result from direct blockage of the airpipes. The granulomas formed near or within the airways can obstruct airflow and produce wheezing sounds. Alternatively, the body’s response to the inflammatory presence of granulomas can cause swelling of the tissues. The swelling can further cause the narrowing of the airways, causing the patients to produce wheezing sounds when breathing. Persistent wheezing throughout the breathing cycle might indicate severe airway obstruction. On the other hand, wheezing that occurs only during exhalation could suggest a less severe narrowing. It’s important to note that various lung conditions share this symptom, so consulting a doctor for an accurate diagnosis is important. It might also help find a timely solution to the problem before it worsens.

Persistent ache

Chest pain is a common symptom in individuals with lung granulomas. The nature of this pain can vary based on the underlying cause and location of the granulomas. Granulomas can sometimes involve the pleura, the thin membrane lining the lungs and chest wall. Pleurisy – the inflammation of this membrane – can cause sharp, stabbing chest pain, especially with deep breaths or while sneezing or coughing. Lung granulomas also cause inflammation, which can irritate the airways and lead to a burning sensation or tightness in the chest. Persistent coughing associated with lung conditions can strain the chest muscles, resulting in a dull, aching pain. A sharp, pleuritic pain that worsens with breathing might indicate the involvement of the pleura, while a dull ache could be due to muscle strain. Regardless of the cause, persistent chest pain demands a doctor’s evaluation.

Persistent cough

A cough is a common symptom that many individuals with lung granulomas experience. If the patient experiences dry cough and hacking, it can often be unproductive. This means it doesn’t cause the patients to produce mucus. It can be triggered by irritation in the airways caused by inflammation or the presence of granulomas themselves. However, in some cases, the cough might be productive. It can result in mucus or phlegm production. This could indicate an underlying infection contributing to the granuloma formation. The characteristics of the cough, such as its frequency, severity, and whether it produces phlegm, can offer information about the underlying cause. A chronic, dry cough that disrupts sleep or daily activities can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life.

Fever

An elevated body temperature is a common warning sign that the body is battling an infection or inflammation. In the context of granulomas, a fever could indicate active infection and inflammatory response. The severity and pattern of the fever can offer details regarding the underlying cause.

Fatigue

Feeling constantly exhausted and lacking energy can indicate various conditions, including those causing granulomas like sarcoidosis or tuberculosis. It can arise due to chronic inflammation, poor sleep quality due to shortness of breath, or the body’s attempt to fight the underlying cause behind the granulomas.

Night sweats

Waking up drenched in sweat during sleep can be a bothersome symptom. If the granuloma formation is due to an active infection, the body might produce night sweats in an attempt to regulate its temperature.  The frequency and intensity of night sweats can vary.  Occasional night sweats might not be a cause for concern, but drenching sweats that disrupt sleep and require multiple clothing changes should be checked by a doctor.

Eye redness or pain

While less common with lung granulomas, granulomas affecting the eye can trigger redness and pain. Ocular granulomas can also cause blurry vision. Inflammation or swelling within the eye can distort the way light enters the eye, leading to blurry vision. In addition, inflammation can irritate the light-sensitive cells in the eye, making even normal light feel uncomfortable or glaring.