Wegener's

Wegener's granulomatosis is a condition that causes the blood vessels to become inflamed. This limits blood flow to vital organs and destroys normal tissue. This condition mostly affects the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include sinus pain and a nearly constant runny nose. The only way to definitively diagnose this condition is with a biopsy of an affected organ. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, the outlook is good for people with this condition.

What Is Wegener's?

Wegener's granulomatosis ("Wegener's") is an uncommon disease in which the blood vessels are inflamed (a condition called vasculitis). This inflammation damages important organs of the body by limiting blood flow to those organs and destroying normal tissue.

Where Does It Occur and Who Does It Affect?

Although Wegener's granulomatosis can involve any organ system, it mainly affects the respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, trachea or windpipe, and lungs), and kidneys.

It can affect people at any age and strikes men and women equally.

Wegener's granulomatosis is rare in African Americans when compared to Caucasians.

What Is the Cause of Wegener's?

Health experts do not know what causes Wegener's granulomatosis.

What Are the Symptoms?

The first symptoms of Wegener's granulomatosis are often vague and frequently include upper respiratory tract symptoms, joint pains, weakness, and tiredness.

(Wegener's Continued: Page 2)