EGPA (Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis), more commonly referred to as Churg-Strauss Syndrome 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.
While it can be treated and essentially controlled through various procedures including the use of steroids and medicine, it is not curable, and as with many similar illnesses, the extent to which it can be managed depends heavily on several factors including severity and the age and overall health of the patient concerned. It is rare that someone with good health and no known serious pre-existing medical conditions would be diagnosed with Churg-Strauss Syndrome, as it is often an offset of other conditions, manifesting itself in those already suffering from asthma and those with abnormal blood vessel counts.
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.
There are several clinics that offer professional treatment:
Ohio's Cleveland Clinic has an award winning Orthopaedic & Rheumatologic Institute with qualified doctors that provide excellent and specialised treatment for the disease, with plenty of experts at hand to simply provide honest advice for those who are unsure about what kind of treatment to seek.
Another award winning hospital, Maryland's John Hopkins Vasculitis Center dedicates itself entirely to vasculitis, treating patients whilst also carrying out important and groundbreaking medical research into different vascular diseases.
Churg-Strauss syndrome is complex, and because the signs and symptoms are both numerous and often-times unassuming, it is 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.
One stage that is most common in all sufferers, however, is the allergic stage, consisting of asthma, sinus pain and hayfever. The allergic stage is typically the first of several, with immune system related symptoms often following it. Medically this stage is known as eosinophilic stage and relates to intricacies arising from the white blood cells, the presence of which is normally notably, and sometimes dangerously, higher in those with Churg-Strauss than those without. Though the symptoms relating to this - amongst them fever, loss of appetite and fatigue - do not sound overly severe, a particularly high white blood cell count can have perilous affects on the body.
The final stage is the vasculitic stage, where the blood vessels become drastically inflamed and begin to narrow. At this point it is likely that a diagnosis will have been confirmed or be close to confirmation in cases where medical help has been sought. If the patient has not already been to a doctor, the stage three symptoms, including joint aches, swelling, rash, chest pain and urine in the blood, are almost guaranteed to prompt them to do so, as by this stage they are difficult to ignore. It is important that a doctor is notified as early as possible if you or someone close to you is experiencing any number of these symptoms, as though it may not be a case of Churg-Strauss, it is crucial they are evaluated.
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 to maintain a healthier lifestyle.