28 November, 2013

EGPA, The Common Reference To Churg-Strauss

By Jack Morgan


Churg-Strauss Syndrome is one form of a group of conditions known as vasculitis. Vasculitis diseases are conditions in which there is inflammation of the blood vessels. Churg-Strauss syndrome often occurs in patients who have a history of asthma or who often suffer from allergies. The blood vessels involved in this particular condition are small arteries and small veins. It is a highly variable condition, so therefore the course and the presentation of it widely varies from patient to patient.

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.

Early stages of CSS Syndrome are characterised by allergy. Almost all of the patients have experienced asthma andor allergies. On average, in patients, the asthma develops from between three to nine years before the symptoms show. Sinusitis is also present in some patients.

Those diagnosed with only a mild form of the illness, whereby the nervous system, the heart, and the kidneys, are not affected, may find that only a low dosage of drugs is required to prevent the disease from further development.

What remains key is early detection and treatment, and lifelong monitoring. Patients can see their illness fade into remission as a result of the medications, only to have it relapse. Maintenance and therapy are vital. Complications and side-effects that can arise from long-term use of corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are often addressed with the prescription of vitamin D, calcium and bisphosphonates. With proper, prudent and ongoing medical monitoring, patients of this disease now have good long-term survival rates and outcomes.

The overall prognosis for sufferers of this disease is good in most cases, where on average people who seek medical attention at an early stage can recover well, but may need regular monitoring by a specialist physician. However the illness can recur, especially among those with asthma or nasal problems, whereby thirty to fifty per cent of patients do suffer a relapse of new symptoms or those similar to their original condition. In these instances it is vital to seek advice from a medical doctor, who after following examination and laboratory tests, should be able to prescribe the correct dosage of drugs in order to stabilize the disease and prevent any further development, resulting in most patients being able to continue a good normal quality of life.




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