What is Wegener’s Granulomatosis?

Wegener’s Granulomatosis is a rare disorder in which blood vessels become inflamed, making it hard for blood to flow.

Causes

Wegener’s Granulomatosis mainly affects blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, ears, lungs, and kidneys, although other areas may be involved.

The cause is unknown. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder.

Wegener’s Granulomatosis is most common in middle-aged adults. It is rare in children, but has been seen in infants as young as 3 months old.

Symptoms

Frequent sinusitis is the most common symptom. Other early symptoms include a fever that continues without an obvious cause, night sweats, fatigue, and a general ill feeling (malaise).

Chronic ear infections are common. Other upper respiratory symptoms include nose bleeds, pain, and sores around the opening of the nose.

Loss of appetite and weight loss are common. Skin changes are also common, but there is no one typical lesion associated with the disease.

There may be symptoms of kidney disease. The urine may be bloody.

Eye problems develop in many people with Wegener’s Granulomatosis. The eye problems range from mild conjunctivitis to severe swelling of the eye.

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