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.
It is a very rare condition. The cause of this syndrome is not known,however it does involve an abnormal over-active immune system almost always in a patient with a history of asthma. Some health professionals suggest that Churg-Strauss syndrome is perhaps linked to certain types of asthma medications. These are called leukotriene modifiers. It is not known whether these types of medication actually cause this condition or whether it is that the patients that take them have a more severe kind of asthma, that then lends to developing the condition of Churg-Strauss.
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 complex, and because the signs and symptoms are both numerous and often-times unassuming, notoriously difficult to diagnose in the first place. This is problematic for many reasons, not least because the earlier one is diagnosed and treatment is put in place the better, and the more manageable the condition will be. It is rare for two patients of the syndrome to experience the exact same set of symptoms, or indeed even similar symptoms at all. The list of symptoms and signs is numerous, and at times their correlations seem somewhat devoid of logic.
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.
It is a very rare condition. The cause of this syndrome is not known,however it does involve an abnormal over-active immune system almost always in a patient with a history of asthma. Some health professionals suggest that Churg-Strauss syndrome is perhaps linked to certain types of asthma medications. These are called leukotriene modifiers. It is not known whether these types of medication actually cause this condition or whether it is that the patients that take them have a more severe kind of asthma, that then lends to developing the condition of Churg-Strauss.
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 complex, and because the signs and symptoms are both numerous and often-times unassuming, notoriously difficult to diagnose in the first place. This is problematic for many reasons, not least because the earlier one is diagnosed and treatment is put in place the better, and the more manageable the condition will be. It is rare for two patients of the syndrome to experience the exact same set of symptoms, or indeed even similar symptoms at all. The list of symptoms and signs is numerous, and at times their correlations seem somewhat devoid of logic.
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.
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