|
Very Rare
Autoimmune Disease has been Occurring in Record Numbers
There have recently been many
cases reported in the Southern California area. The hospitals are
baffled about this mystery of clusters. Experts believe there may be a
link to the ever spreading epidemic of fungal exposure and autoimmune
diseases, as new evidence is approaching.
Wegener's Granulomatosis (WG)
is an extremely rare form of
vasculitis; that is, a disease characterized by
inflammation of the walls of the blood vessels. This inflammation can result
in damage to vital organs of the body by restricting blood flow to those
organs. WG normally begins as a localized granulomatous inflammation of the
nasal mucosa (lining) and lung tissue, and usually progresses into
generalized necrotizing (gradual degeneration) granulomatous (tumor-like)
inflammation of the blood vessels. WG is an autoimmune disease, meaning the
body's immune system attacks its own body tissues.
About 90% of patients start
with cold, sinus, or allergy-like symptoms that fail to respond to the usual
therapeutic measures. Others may begin with arthritic symptoms, skin rashes,
or eye, ear, or throat infections. The advent of WG may start slowly and
continue over a period of time, or it may have a rapid, severe onset.
Although vasculitic diseases
can result in damage to any organ system, WG primarily affects the
respiratory tract (sinus, nose, trachea, and lungs) and the kidneys, and may
involve the joints, eyes, ears, and skin. Patients who do not have renal
(kidney) involvement are described as having Limited Wegener's. This
disorder occurs equally in males and females and can occur at any age, but
usually in middle age.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Onset of Wegener's
granulomatosis may be gradual or rapid and severe . About 90% of patients
have symptoms of a 'cold' or 'sinusitis' that fail to respond to usual
therapeutic measure and last considerably longer than the usual upper
respiratory tract infection. Other symptoms may include nasal membrane
ulcerations and crusting, saddle-nose deformity, inflammation of the ear
with hearing problems, inflammation of the eye with sight problems,
narrowing of the trachea, cough (with or without blood), shortness of
breath, skin rash, fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, joint pain, night
sweats, protein and blood in the urine (usually not visible), and fatigue.
All patients do NOT experience ALL of these symptoms. Be aware that
different patients experience different symptoms and the severity of the
disease is different in each. If ANY symptoms persist, consider Wegener's
granulomatosis.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is established by
clinical and laboratory findings such as the ANCA test (a blood test) and
tissue biopsy. Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA) is manufactured by
the body's immune system. It is found in the majority of patients who have
active Wegener's granulomatosis and can be useful to suggest the disease and
the pursuit of other diagnostic tests. Blood and urine laboratory tests,
together with x-rays, are crucial in detecting abnormalities relating to
Wegener's granulomatosis and localizing areas of the body that are being
affected. Early diagnosis is critical for the best treatment outcome.
laboratory tests and x-rays,
may detect a relapse at its earliest and most treatable stage in most
patients.
If you or anyone you know has been
diagnosed with this disease, please contact me
[Return to main menu]
|