A health condition that is marked by blood vessel inflammation is called Churg-Strauss syndrome. Inflammation causes reduced blood flow to different body structures and organs. Limiting blood flow to organs and tissues may lead to permanent damage (sometimes). In some cases, this condition is called eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
The most common symptom of this syndrome is adult-onset asthma. However, Churg-Strauss syndrome may cause other health problems as well. These include nasal allergies, sinus problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, pain, numbness, and others.
This syndrome happens quite rarely, and there is no way to cure it. That’s why the treatment focuses to lessen the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Physicians usually prescribe steroids and other immunosuppressants.
Symptoms
While some people may experience mild symptoms only, others may have severe and even life-threatening symptoms. Churg-Strauss syndrome usually occurs in 3 stages and worsens over time. Moreover, most people with EGPA have asthma, chronic sinusitis, and increased levels of white blood cells (also called eosinophils). Check below the EGPA symptoms:
- Numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and hands
- Skin sores
- Rash
- Weakness
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle and joint pain
- Appetite changes
- Unusual weight loss
Immediately visit a doctor if you experience breathing problems and a persistent runny nose along with facial pain. Early diagnosis and proper treatment increase your risk of good results.
Causes
Healthcare providers cannot determine the exact cause of this syndrome. They think a combination of environmental factors and genes contributes to Churg-Strauss syndrome. For example, allergens, certain drugs that trigger overactive immunity, and others. As a result, the immune system starts to attack healthy tissue instead of protecting you from bacteria and viruses.
Risk Factors
Anyone may develop this syndrome. However, it is mostly diagnosed in people over 50 years old. Other factors that may increase your risk of developing Churg-Strauss syndrome include nasal problems, asthma, and other genetic and environmental factors. For more details, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
What Are The Possible Complications of Churg-Strauss Syndrome?
This health condition may negatively affect multiple organs such as the lungs, sinuses, skin, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, muscles, joints, and heart. Moreover, without treatment, this syndrome can be fatal. Check below some complications of this disease:
- Peripheral nerve damage – Damage to these nerves usually causes numbness, burning, or loss of function in the hands and feet.
- Heart disease – These include myocardial infarction, heart failure, inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the heart, heart muscle inflammation, and others.
- Kidney damage – Sometimes, this disease may negatively affect the kidneys, causing glomerulonephritis. It is a kidney disease in which they lose the ability to filter waste and other toxins from the blood. As a result, it causes the waste to build up in the bloodstream.
Diagnosis
Check below some tests often used by doctors to diagnose Churg-Strauss syndrome:
- Blood tests – These tests are used to check for antibodies that indicate (not confirm) Churg-Strauss syndrome. Moreover, blood tests can measure eosinophil levels that indicate asthma.
- Imaging tests – Physicians usually perform CT (computerized tomography) scans and X-ray scans to check for abnormalities linked with the disease.
- Biopsy – If any of the previous tests suggest Churg-Strauss syndrome, physicians may take a small sample of the affected tissue and test it in the laboratory (biopsy). It helps confirm the disease and exclude other conditions that cause similar symptoms (such as vasculitis).
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure the disease. That’s why the treatment goal is to reduce the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Check below some medicines often recommended by doctors for people with EGPA:
Corticosteroids
One of the most common medicines prescribed by doctors for people with EGPA is Prednisone. In some cases, physicians may recommend a high dose of other corticosteroids along with Prednisone to improve the effectiveness and lessen symptoms quickly.
Unfortunately, a high dose of corticosteroids may cause severe adverse reactions. Discuss with your doctor before taking increased corticosteroid doses. Check below some adverse reactions of corticosteroids:
Other Immunosuppressants
In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe other medicines that suppress the immune system. However, the only FDA-approved medicine for EGPA treatment is Mepolizumab. They also may recommend additional medicines depending on the severity of the condition and the organs involved. For example:
- Azathioprine
- Benralizumab
- Cyclophosphamide
- Methotrexate
- Rituximab
These medicines may cause severe negative effects and affect the body’s ability to fight infections. That’s why you should be monitored regularly when administering them.
Home Remedies
Check below some tips that may help ease the effects caused by medicines used to treat Churg-Strauss syndrome:
- Adopt a healthy diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Perform physical exercises regularly to maintain a healthy weight and improve bone health.
- It is advised to talk with your healthcare professional about supplements and vitamins (such as vitamin D) to protect your bones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy of someone with Churg-Strauss syndrome?
The 5-year survival rate is approximately 80% with early diagnosis and proper treatment. Otherwise, the survival rate significantly decreases.
How do you diagnose Churg-Strauss syndrome?
This condition is often diagnosed by performing blood tests to check for antibodies and eosinophil levels. The presence of certain antibodies and increased eosinophil levels indicates Churg-Strauss syndrome.
What are the complications of Churg-Strauss syndrome?
These include:
- Heart disease (including arrhythmia, heart failure, myocarditis, and others)
- Lung conditions (such as asthma, pleural effusion, chronic respiratory failure, and others)
- Kidney problems (including glomerulonephritis, kidney failure, and others)
- Nerve damage
- Gastrointestinal issues (such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, mesenteric vasculitis, and others)
- Skin lesions
- Fever
This document does not contain all possible complications of this disease. Consult with your doctor about ways to prevent complications of this disease. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
