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Wegener’s Granulomatosis Signs and Symptoms

Wegener’s granulomatosis belongs to the family of autoimmune diseases known as vasculitis.  It is characterized by inflammation of the smaller arteries and veins in the respiratory tract and kidneys.  This restricts blood flow to these organs, which can damage them.  Both men and women are affected by Wegener’s granulomatosis, and symptoms usually appear around age forty.  We have put together a list of signs and symptoms of Wegener’s granulomatosis below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Wegener’s Granulomatosis include:

  • Weakness
  • Joint pain
  • Kidney failure
  • Poor appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Rash
  • Rhinitis, with pus-filled discharge
  • Fever
  • Chest pain
  • Wheezing
  • Eye pain
  • Red eyes
  • Skin sores
  • Blood in urine
  • Sinusitis
  • Ear infections
  • Cough, sometimes coughing up blood
  • Inflammation of the gums

The first symptom is usually a persistently runny nose that does not respond to over-the- counter medications.  Some people only have respiratory involvement, though Wegener’s granulomatosis can rapidly progress to kidney involvement.



Diagnosis of Wegener’s Granulomatosis

The only certain way to diagnose Wegener’s granulomatosis is through a tissue biopsy.  Other supportive tests include blood tests, which test for anemia and for autoantibodies called anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies.  Ninety to ninety-five percent of people with active Wegener’s granulomatosis have these autoantibodies present in their blood.  Urine tests help to determine kidney function, and a chest x-ray can show masses in your lungs.


Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Wegener’s Granulomatosis

There Must Be A Reason: My Daughter’s Battle With Wegener’s Granulomatosis
Myrna Swart
Wegener’s ranulomatosis Medical Guide
Qontro Medical Guides


Eye On The Prize: Fighting Past Wegener’s Granulomatosis
Candace Ross
21st Century Ultimate Medical Guide to Wegener’s Granulomatosis – Authoritative Clinical Information for Physicians and Patients (Two CD-ROM Set)
PM Medical Health News

Wegener’s Granulomatosis Resources

General Patient Resources

  • Vasculitis Foundation

The Vasculitis Foundation supports andempowers patients through awareness, education and research.

http://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/wegenersgranulomatosis

  • The Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center

Description of who gets Wegener’s Granulomatosis (the “typical” patients)? Classic symptoms of Wegener’s Granulomatosis, What causes Wegener’s Granulomatosis and more.

http://www.hopkinsvasculitis.org/types-vasculitis/wegeners-granulomatosis/

  • WD

Wegener’s granulomatosis information including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, causes, patient stories, videos, forums, prevention, and prognosis.

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/w/wegeners_granulomatosis/intro.htm

  • MD Junction

Wegener’s Granulomatosis Forums. Discussions, Q&A and friends dealing with Wegener’s Granulomatosis.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/wegeners-granulomatosis-discussions

  • Wegener’s Net . org

A Wegeners Granulomatosis Community featuring live chat, message board, discussion forums, member profiles, and information.

http://www.wegenersnet.org/



Medical Resources

  • Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment of this inflammatory disease.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/wegeners-granulomatosis/DS00833

  • Pub Med Health

Discusses causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatment, prognosis and complications.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001192/

  • Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000135.htm