Wegener’s Granulomatosis is a multi-system disease, which means many parts of the body may be affected. The nose, throat, lungs and ears usually become swollen and inflamed. The kidneys can be involved, too, while for some people it affects the eyes and skin.
Around 50 per cent of people with the disease develop arthritis.
Wegener’s granulomatosis is an uncommon disorder that causes inflammation of your blood vessels, which in turn restricts blood flow to various organs. Most commonly Wegener’s granulomatosis affects your kidneys, lungs and upper respiratory tract. The restricted blood flow to these organs can damage them.
Besides inflamed blood vessels, Wegener’s granulomatosis produces a type of inflammatory tissue known as granuloma, found around the blood vessels. Granulomas can destroy normal tissue. What causes Wegener’s granulomatosis is uncertain, but it’s not an infection nor is it a type of cancer.
Early diagnosis and treatment of Wegener’s granulomatosis may lead to a full recovery. Without treatment, Wegener’s granulomatosis can be fatal, most commonly from kidney failure.
Before reviewing the various symptoms, please remember that not all of them are experienced at once. It may be overtime that you or your loved one will have to experience one or more of the symptoms. Also, it may take some time to really understand what is happening. Each WG patient is unique and may or may not experience these in order that experts perceive. Signs and symptoms may develop suddenly or gradually.
- Constantly runny nose
- Nosebleeds
- Sinus pain and inflammation (sinusitis)
- Ear infections
- Cough
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
- General ill feeling (malaise)
- Appetite loss
- Joint aches and swelling
- Skin sores
- Eye redness, burning or pain
- Double or decreased vision
- Fever
- Weakness and fatigue, possibly associated with low red blood cell count (anemia)
T0 find more information see blog posts about the diagnosis process, tests and treatment involved. For additional support see WG support links and organizations
Hello !!
I am dating a wonderful guy that has been dignosted with this desease. I would love to find ways I can be fully supportive with him and find the latest treatment available for him .Thank you
Brenda,
blessings to you and your man as you live life with WG. Your heart must be so big for the love to flow through as a caregiver for him. Please look through this blog, it is a collection of resources for WG families and friends. My personal email is patrice-brown@live.com, let me know what your situation is and i may be able to help? Stay strong.
I have Wegener’s and have been through all of the treatments and reconstructive surgery. Over 18 months ago I started an investigation into therapeutic riding and my symptoms. I stopped all medication after I realized that my riding therapy was removing the side effects, even the vasculitis and the medication was killing me. I am now in much better shape but still cannot kill the Wegener’s. My blog is animospain.blogspot.com. the therapy program is called ANIMO-ALBERO
It is worth a look because I have been able to keep my kidneys and heart functioning much to the amazement of the doctors. My problem now is pain management as the bones and tissue in my face,ears, eyes and throat are disappearing, causing problems eating. I am almost deaf and have already had an eye transplant. I feel like a jack-o-lantern and someone just keeps carving away but the candle still burns inside. I have a very good support group in my husband, children and friends.