Churg-Strauss Syndrome, now commonly referred to as EGPA (Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis), is a rare chronic disease marked by inflammation of the blood vessels. It mainly affects people - and most commonly, men - in the 30-45 age group, with symptoms seldom being found in those outside this age group, especially the young or elderly.
Churg-Strauss Syndrome is a type of vasculitis that causes the blood vessels to become inflamed in the abdomen and the lungs as well as on the skin, it can also affect the nerve system. The actual cause of Churg-Strauss Syndrome has yet to be discovered, but in most cases it starts by affecting the immune system of asthma and bronchial sufferers. The cause has also been linked to several asthma medications known as leukotriene-modifiers although this has not been confirmed.
A person with Churg-Strauss Syndrome may find that they have recently suffered a loss in weight. They may also suffer from fevers and a lot of the time they may feel extremely tired and weak.
Early stages of CSS Syndrome are characterised by allergy. Almost all of the patients have experienced asthma andor allergies. On average, in patients, the asthma develops from between three to nine years before the symptoms show. Sinusitis is also present in some patients.
Mid stages are marked by abnormally high numbers of eosinophils present in the blood. (hypereosinophilia) This is a type of white blood cell which are found in the tissues and in the blood. The signs of hypereosinophilia will depend on the part of the body that is affected. Most frequent it can affect the lungs and also the digestive tract. These symptoms of hypereosinophilia can include: weight loss, night sweats, cough, asthma, abdominal pain. This eosinophilic stage can last from a few months up to a few years, and its symptoms can also sometimes disappear but only to then return at a later stage.
Latter stages are the onset of vasculitis. This is the inflammation of the blood vessels and therefore a reduction of blood flow to different organs and tissues. The local and systemic symptoms all become a lot more widespread. Severe complications can also arise at this stage. Thrombosis in the damaged arteries can sometimes occur. Some patients can experience recurring abdominal complaints. The most life threatening complication of this stage is heart disease. Heart disease is the cause of nearly a half of all the deaths in patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome.
As well as the aforementioned medical assistance in managing the disease, there are also many things that the patient themselves can do to increase their quality of life and reduce the symptoms and effects of Churg-Strauss. These include implementing an exercise regime, ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to maintain the bones, and eating a healthier and more wholesome diet. It is strongly recommended that the patient should quit smoking should they do so at present, as it can worsen the illness as well as intensifying side effects of any medication. Those with relatives or friends that have been diagnosed should do their utmost to encourage and help them maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Churg-Strauss Syndrome is a type of vasculitis that causes the blood vessels to become inflamed in the abdomen and the lungs as well as on the skin, it can also affect the nerve system. The actual cause of Churg-Strauss Syndrome has yet to be discovered, but in most cases it starts by affecting the immune system of asthma and bronchial sufferers. The cause has also been linked to several asthma medications known as leukotriene-modifiers although this has not been confirmed.
A person with Churg-Strauss Syndrome may find that they have recently suffered a loss in weight. They may also suffer from fevers and a lot of the time they may feel extremely tired and weak.
Early stages of CSS Syndrome are characterised by allergy. Almost all of the patients have experienced asthma andor allergies. On average, in patients, the asthma develops from between three to nine years before the symptoms show. Sinusitis is also present in some patients.
Mid stages are marked by abnormally high numbers of eosinophils present in the blood. (hypereosinophilia) This is a type of white blood cell which are found in the tissues and in the blood. The signs of hypereosinophilia will depend on the part of the body that is affected. Most frequent it can affect the lungs and also the digestive tract. These symptoms of hypereosinophilia can include: weight loss, night sweats, cough, asthma, abdominal pain. This eosinophilic stage can last from a few months up to a few years, and its symptoms can also sometimes disappear but only to then return at a later stage.
Latter stages are the onset of vasculitis. This is the inflammation of the blood vessels and therefore a reduction of blood flow to different organs and tissues. The local and systemic symptoms all become a lot more widespread. Severe complications can also arise at this stage. Thrombosis in the damaged arteries can sometimes occur. Some patients can experience recurring abdominal complaints. The most life threatening complication of this stage is heart disease. Heart disease is the cause of nearly a half of all the deaths in patients with Churg-Strauss syndrome.
As well as the aforementioned medical assistance in managing the disease, there are also many things that the patient themselves can do to increase their quality of life and reduce the symptoms and effects of Churg-Strauss. These include implementing an exercise regime, ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake to maintain the bones, and eating a healthier and more wholesome diet. It is strongly recommended that the patient should quit smoking should they do so at present, as it can worsen the illness as well as intensifying side effects of any medication. Those with relatives or friends that have been diagnosed should do their utmost to encourage and help them maintain a healthier lifestyle.
About the Author:
Learn more about churg-strauss syndrome. Stop by the csssyndrome.com website where you can find out all about questions like life expectancy and different available treatments.
No comments:
Post a Comment