Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
What is Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis?
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), also known as Churg-Strauss syndrome, is an uncommon inflammatory disorder that usually affects the respiratory tract and can involve other organ systems. It’s thought to be a type of autoimmune disorder, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. EGPA is believed to be caused in part by an allergic reaction to certain substances.
What Are the Symptoms of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis?
The primary symptoms of EGPA are asthma and sinus inflammation, but it’s possible for symptoms to affect other parts of the body, including the:
- Nose and sinuses
- Skin
- Brain and spinal cord
- Eyes
- Peripheral nerves (nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord)
- Joints
- Digestive tract
- Kidneys
- Heart
Other symptoms of EGPA may include:
- Wheezing and shortness of breath
- Fever, sweating, and fatigue
- Cough and sore throat
- Nosebleeds and sinus pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Red, raised, or scaly rashes
- Tender and swollen nodes
- Neuropathy (nerve pain or numbness)
- Stomach pain and diarrhea
- Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels)
Diagnosis and Treatment of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
EGPA is usually diagnosed with a combination of blood tests, imaging tests, and a biopsy. Other tests may include lung function tests, bronchoscopy, and CT scans. Treatments will vary depending on the symptoms, but may include medications such as steroids, immunosuppressants, and drugs that target specific proteins. In some cases, surgery may be required. There is no cure for EGPA, but symptoms can usually be managed with treatment.