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.
Despite vasculitis being an incredibly daunting prospect, Churg-Strauss Syndrome is - though by no means an easygoing illness - not impossible to live with, and while its impact can be particularly harsh, for the average patient it is free from complications and not as debilitating as one might expect. With ongoing support from medical professionals, family, friends and co-workers, it is perfectly possible to live a fulfilling and, on the whole, comfortable life in spite of the condition.
Churg-Strauss Syndrome is difficult to diagnose because the amount of different symptoms it can produce, which makes it very similar to a lot of other ailments. There is currently no cure for this illness, but it can be kept under control with steroids and strong drugs.
Those diagnosed with only a mild form of the illness, whereby the nervous system, the heart, and the kidneys, are not affected, may find that only a low dosage of drugs is required to prevent the disease from further development.
The final stage is the vasculitic stage, where the blood vessels become drastically inflamed and begin to narrow. At this point it is likely that a diagnosis will have been confirmed or be close to confirmation in cases where medical help has been sought. If the patient has not already been to a doctor, the stage three symptoms, including joint aches, swelling, rash, chest pain and urine in the blood, are almost guaranteed to prompt them to do so, as by this stage they are difficult to ignore. It is important that a doctor is notified as early as possible if you or someone close to you is experiencing any number of these symptoms, as though it may not be a case of Churg-Strauss, it is crucial they are evaluated.
The overall prognosis for sufferers of this disease is good in most cases, where on average people who seek medical attention at an early stage can recover well, but may need regular monitoring by a specialist physician. However the illness can recur, especially among those with asthma or nasal problems, whereby thirty to fifty per cent of patients do suffer a relapse of new symptoms or those similar to their original condition. In these instances it is vital to seek advice from a medical doctor, who after following examination and laboratory tests, should be able to prescribe the correct dosage of drugs in order to stabilize the disease and prevent any further development, resulting in most patients being able to continue a good normal quality of life.
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.
Despite vasculitis being an incredibly daunting prospect, Churg-Strauss Syndrome is - though by no means an easygoing illness - not impossible to live with, and while its impact can be particularly harsh, for the average patient it is free from complications and not as debilitating as one might expect. With ongoing support from medical professionals, family, friends and co-workers, it is perfectly possible to live a fulfilling and, on the whole, comfortable life in spite of the condition.
Churg-Strauss Syndrome is difficult to diagnose because the amount of different symptoms it can produce, which makes it very similar to a lot of other ailments. There is currently no cure for this illness, but it can be kept under control with steroids and strong drugs.
Those diagnosed with only a mild form of the illness, whereby the nervous system, the heart, and the kidneys, are not affected, may find that only a low dosage of drugs is required to prevent the disease from further development.
The final stage is the vasculitic stage, where the blood vessels become drastically inflamed and begin to narrow. At this point it is likely that a diagnosis will have been confirmed or be close to confirmation in cases where medical help has been sought. If the patient has not already been to a doctor, the stage three symptoms, including joint aches, swelling, rash, chest pain and urine in the blood, are almost guaranteed to prompt them to do so, as by this stage they are difficult to ignore. It is important that a doctor is notified as early as possible if you or someone close to you is experiencing any number of these symptoms, as though it may not be a case of Churg-Strauss, it is crucial they are evaluated.
The overall prognosis for sufferers of this disease is good in most cases, where on average people who seek medical attention at an early stage can recover well, but may need regular monitoring by a specialist physician. However the illness can recur, especially among those with asthma or nasal problems, whereby thirty to fifty per cent of patients do suffer a relapse of new symptoms or those similar to their original condition. In these instances it is vital to seek advice from a medical doctor, who after following examination and laboratory tests, should be able to prescribe the correct dosage of drugs in order to stabilize the disease and prevent any further development, resulting in most patients being able to continue a good normal quality of life.
About the Author:
If you are looking for information on churg-strauss syndrome, then visit csssyndrome.com. It is an excellent resource for people wanting a brief introduction to the disease. It also has useful information regarding churg strauss syndrome.
No comments:
Post a Comment