CONDITION: Wegener's Granulomatosis

DESCRIPTION:
Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare form of vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels, that begins in the respiratory system. As this autoimmune disease progresses, it can cause complete kidney failure. The disease is twice as likely to occur in men than women, with most patients being Caucasian; however, only about 500 new cases are diagnosed each year. Wegener's granulomatosis may occur at any age, but is more likely to affect adults in their 30s and 40s.

How does Wegener's granulomatosis develop?
The cause of Wegener's granulomatosis is unknown. It is clear, however, that the immune system plays a critical role in the tissue damage caused by this disease. In Wegener's granulomatosis the immune system produces antibodies that actually attack the white blood cells, causing inflammation of the blood vessels and inflamed tumor-like masses called granulomas that interfere with blood flow. Wegener's granulomatosis is not hereditary or contagious, which means one person cannot pass it on to another. In the most severe cases, patients develop renal (kidney) disease, which can become life threatening. Wegener's granulomatosis without renal disease is called limited Wegener's.

What are the symptoms of Wegener's granulomatosis?
The disease may begin suddenly or gradually. Symptoms typically appear first in the upper respiratory tract—the ears, nose, sinuses and trachea. At first, these symptoms may mimic a cold, with runny nose, cough and sore throat, but they can become worse and progress to pneumonia. Patients also may have frequent and severe nosebleeds, ear infections, sinus infections and a chronic cough, and may even cough up blood. Other symptoms include fever, joint pain, loss of appetite, anemia, general weakness and fatigue. Some patients develop sores on the skin.

Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of Wegener's granulomatosis but they do not address the root of the problem. Generally, by undergoing comprehensive natural medicine testing, the reasons the body is producing antibodies against itself can be found. Some of these reasons include sensitivities or allergies to foods, inhalants and chemicals and various infections.

Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to treat Wegener's granulomatosis.

Learn about the treatments for Wegener's Granulomatosis