Churg-Strauss Syndrome
Overview
Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare disorder in which a person's body builds up a large number of antibodies that normally fight bacteria, viruses or irritating or potentially dangerous substances. Certain types of white blood cells tend to cluster in an abnormal way when a person has Churg-Strauss Syndrome.
The disease may affect many organs, especially the lungs. The blood vessels become swollen and tender (inflamed) and knobby lesions nodular lesions (granulomatosis) develop.
The disease is sometimes called allergic granulomatosis or allergic angiitis.
Symptoms
Signs of Churg-Strauss Syndrome tend to be general.
Depending on what organs of the body are affected symptoms can include:
- Flu-like symptoms including a fever and general feeling of being weak and tired
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Muscle pain
Causes and Risk Factors
It is not yet know what causes this condition. Many researchers think that abnormal responses of the body's immune system play a role in the disease.
Many people who have Churg-Strauss Syndrome also have a history of allergies.
Asthma or lung abnormalities sometimes occur a year or more before the more generalized, system-wide symptoms of Churg-Strauss appear.
Treatment
Without appropriate treatment, serious organ damage and potentially life-threatening complications may result.
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Cedars-Sinai has a range of comprehensive treatment options.