Condition Lookup
Sub-Category:
Vasculitis with Pulmonary Involvement
Number of Conditions: 2
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener’s)
Specialty: Pulmonology
Category: Pulmonary Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Vasculitis with Pulmonary Involvement
Symptoms:
nasal congestion; sinus pain or bleeding; cough (sometimes with blood); shortness of breath; fatigue; weight loss; joint pain
Root Cause:
GPA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks blood vessels, leading to inflammation and damage to various organs, particularly the lungs, kidneys, and upper respiratory tract.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (e.g., ANCA – antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies). Imaging (chest X-ray, CT scans of the chest). Biopsy of affected tissue (usually lung or kidney).
Treatment:
Immunosuppressive therapy to control inflammation (such as cyclophosphamide, rituximab). Glucocorticoids (steroids). Plasmapheresis for severe cases (removal of circulating antibodies).
Medications:
Cyclophosphamide (chemotherapy agent, immunosuppressant). Rituximab (monoclonal antibody, immunosuppressant). Prednisone (corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory). Methotrexate (immunosuppressant, chemotherapy agent). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (antibiotic for prevention of infections).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated incidence of 3 to 12 cases per million people per year.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, environmental factors (such as exposure to certain chemicals or infections), and smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many patients achieve remission. However, it can be life-threatening without treatment and relapses are common.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney failure. Lung damage. .Respiratory failure. Infections due to immunosuppressive therapy. Heart complications (in rare cases).
Churg-Strauss Syndrome (Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis)
Specialty: Pulmonology
Category: Pulmonary Vascular Diseases
Sub-category: Vasculitis with Pulmonary Involvement
Symptoms:
asthma or worsening asthma symptoms; eosinophilia (elevated eosinophil count in the blood); sinusitis; fatigue; weight loss; muscle and joint pain; skin rashes or lesions
Root Cause:
An autoimmune vasculitis that causes inflammation of blood vessels, particularly affecting the lungs and the peripheral nerves. It’s often associated with severe asthma and eosinophilia.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (eosinophil count, ANCA). Chest X-ray or CT scan. Biopsy (skin or lung).
Treatment:
Immunosuppressive medications (such as cyclophosphamide or rituximab). Corticosteroids (prednisone) to control inflammation. Bronchodilators for asthma management.
Medications:
Cyclophosphamide (chemotherapy agent, immunosuppressant). Rituximab (monoclonal antibody, immunosuppressant). Prednisone (corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory). Methotrexate (immunosuppressant). Inhalers (bronchodilators for asthma management).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated incidence of 1 to 3 cases per million people per year.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Asthma, atopic conditions (e.g., hay fever), and genetic factors.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, many patients experience remission. However, the condition can be life-threatening without prompt intervention.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart damage (especially in severe cases). Kidney damage. Respiratory failure due to lung involvement. Nerve damage or neuropathy.