Pronounced: VEGG-eh-nerz GRAN-u-luh-mah-TOE-sis
Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) is a rare disease that causes the walls of blood vessels to become inflamed (called vasculitis). This limits blood flow to tissues and can affect any organ. If left untreated, WG can be fatal. The outlook, though, is good with proper treatment. If you suspect you have WG, see your doctor right away.
WG is a type of autoimmune disease. This means the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. Its cause is unknown. An infection may trigger it, but none has yet been found.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. The risk factors for WG are not clear. Males and females are equally affected. It can occur at any age, although it more often begins in middle age. It does not appear to be passed from one generation to the next. Compared with Caucasians, however, African-Americans rarely get the disease.
Symptoms may vary from mild to severe. They may also progress at a different rate from one person to another. Often, WG first causes chronic cold, sinus, or allergy-like symptoms. If you have any of the following symptoms, do not assume they are due to WG. See your doctor. They may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. Symptoms of WG may include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. The doctor may do tests to rule out other conditions, determine which organs are involved, or to confirm the diagnosis. Tests may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment usually includes a combination of medication types.
Although it can’t cure WG, exercise may help you manage its symptoms.
RESOURCES:
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
http://www.aarda.org
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIH)
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov
Wegener’s Granulomatosis Association
http://www.wgassociation.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Health Guide, British Columbia Ministry of Health
http://www.bchealthguide.org
The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca
References:
Types of vasculitis: Wegener’s granulomatosis. The Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center website. Available at: http://vasculitis.med.jhu.edu/typesof/wegeners.html . Accessed September 21, 2005.
Wegener’s granulomatosis. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/wegeners.htm . Accessed September 21, 2005.
What is Wegener’s granulomatosis? The Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/0200/0214.asp?index=4757 . Accessed September 21, 2005.
What is Wegener’s granulomatosis? Wegener’s Granulomatosis Association website. Available at: http://www.wgassociation.org/aboutwg/whatis_wg.shtml . Accessed September 21, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Michael J. Fucci, DO
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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