----------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
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.
One stage that is most common in all sufferers, however, is the allergic stage, consisting of asthma, sinus pain and hayfever. The allergic stage is typically the first of several, with immune system related symptoms often following it. Medically this stage is known as eosinophilic stage and relates to intricacies arising from the white blood cells, the presence of which is normally notably, and sometimes dangerously, higher in those with Churg-Strauss than those without. Though the symptoms relating to this - amongst them fever, loss of appetite and fatigue - do not sound overly severe, a particularly high white blood cell count can have perilous affects on the body.
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.
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.
One stage that is most common in all sufferers, however, is the allergic stage, consisting of asthma, sinus pain and hayfever. The allergic stage is typically the first of several, with immune system related symptoms often following it. Medically this stage is known as eosinophilic stage and relates to intricacies arising from the white blood cells, the presence of which is normally notably, and sometimes dangerously, higher in those with Churg-Strauss than those without. Though the symptoms relating to this - amongst them fever, loss of appetite and fatigue - do not sound overly severe, a particularly high white blood cell count can have perilous affects on the body.
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:
There is a lot of information to learn when it comes to churg-strauss syndrome. An excellent strating point for answering questions like: What is the Life expectancy of Churg-Strauss Syndrome, would be to visit the following website at http://csssyndrome.com.
0 comments:
Post a Comment