Wegener’s Granulomatosis

Wegener’s Granulomatosis

Felix Hospital, Noida, offers specialized treatment for Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis or GPA). Early detection and vigorous treatment are important to avoid organ damage and possibly life-threatening complications.

Our skilled rheumatology experts in Noida, headed by Dr. Kiran Seth, adopt a detailed, multi-disciplinary strategy towards GPA to yield improved results and an improved lifestyle for the patient.

If you are suffering from recurring sinusitis, spontaneous coughing, tiredness, or hematuria, call us today at +91 9667064100 to consult our experts.

What is Wegener's Granulomatosis?

Wegener's Granulomatosis, now called Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), is a rare but serious autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). This inflammation reduces blood flow and can damage important organs such as the sinuses, lungs, kidneys, and ears.

The disease also leads to the formation of granulomas—clumps of immune cells that can further harm tissues. Common symptoms include sinus congestion, cough, breathlessness, joint pain, fatigue, and blood in the urine.
 

Risk factors include:

• Autoimmune dysfunction: The immune system of the body mistakenly targets healthy blood vessels.

• Genetics: It may cause risk due to a family history of autoimmune disorders.

• Environmental exposure: Inhaled chemicals or infections may trigger inflammation.

• Age & Gender: More prevalent among adults aged 40–65 years; both sexes are equally affected.

Diagnosing GPA at Felix Hospital

Early diagnosis of GPA is imperative to avoid irreversible organ damage. At the best rheumatology hospital, we follow a systematic way of diagnosing the disease even in the early stages.
Our diagnostic process involves:

• Detailed Medical History & Physical Exam: Assessing symptoms such as chronic sinusitis, coughing, tiredness, and kidney involvement.

• Blood Tests: Screening for such markers as ANCA (anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies), namely c-ANCA (PR3).

• Urine Analysis: To identify kidney inflammation or blood/protein in urine.

• Imaging: Chest X-rays or CT scans to assess lung nodules or bleeding.

• Biopsy: Sinus, lung, or kidney tissue samples to establish inflammation and granuloma formation.

Treatment Options for Wegener's Granulomatosis

Although GPA, if left untreated, is fatal, the therapies used now have the ability to induce remission and let patients enjoy a normal life. Felix Hospital offers induction and maintenance therapy depending on the severity of the disease.

Treatment involves:

Medications

• Corticosteroids: For rapid control of swelling.

• Immunosuppressants: Like cyclophosphamide or methotrexate to induce remission.

• Biologics: Targeted therapy often first-line or relapse therapy and involves rituximab.

• Maintenance Therapy: Chronic low-dose immunosuppressive to avoid relapses.

Organ-Specific Support

• Nephrology management of renal involvement

• Pulmonology for respiratory symptoms, lung nodules, or bleeding

• ENT for refractory sinus symptoms or nasal destruction

Rehabilitation and Follow-up

• Periodic laboratory and imaging follow-ups

• Ongoing physiotherapy and nutrition as required
   

Surviving Wegener's Granulomatosis

Wegener's Granulomatosis is a chronic condition that needs continuous care. Felix Hospital has an atmosphere of care which includes:

• Individualized disease activity-specific treatment plans

• Patient education and emotional support

• Nutrition counseling to counteract the side effects of medication

• Planning vaccination to minimize the risks of infection with immunosuppressive therapy
   

Step into recovery. Call now at +91 9667064100 and schedule your appointment.

FAQs on Wegener's Granulomatosis

1. Is Wegener's granulomatosis treatable?

Ans. Wegener's Granulomatosis (also referred to as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis or GPA) is not entirely treatable, but it can be well controlled. At Felix Hospital, we provide cutting-edge treatments such as Rituximab that ensure long-term remission, enabling patients to live healthy, normal lives.

2. Can GPA lead to permanent organ damage?

Ans. Yes. If not treated, GPA will result in serious, irreversible damage to kidneys, lungs, sinuses, and even hearing. That is why early diagnosis and prompt treatment are our issues at Felix Hospital so that long-term complications can be averted.

3. For how many weeks/months will I be treated for GPA?

Ans. Usually, induction treatment is done between 3 and 6 months, and subsequent maintenance treatment from 1 to 2 years. But with us at Felix Hospital, we tailor the time of treatment to your body's response and check regularly to ensure the risk of relapse decreases.

4. Do I need to take medicines all my life?

Ans. Not necessarily. Most patients recover and can be safely withdrawn from treatment. We seek to keep the need for extended use of drugs at Felix Hospital to a minimum but encourage relapse prevention with ongoing regular follow-up and individualized care plans.

5. Some of the possible GPA treatment side effects are what?

Ans. Some of the usual side effects are an increased risk of infection, tiredness, and steroid effects such as weight gain or high blood sugar. We take preventive measures against these risks in Felix Hospital by conducting monthly health checks, blood tests, and lifestyle advice including dietary control and exercise regimes.

6. Can GPA influence fertility or pregnancy?

Ans. Yes, one of the medications that you are prescribed to take for GPA will impact fertility or pose risk during pregnancy. At Felix Hospital, we do have safe alternative medications and individual counseling on pregnancy and fertility to maximize your chances of having a family.

7. How would I know if my GPA is returning?

Ans. Symptoms of relapse can be sinusitis, fatigue, hemoptysis, or hematuria. We teach the patients to identify such symptoms early at Felix Hospital and provide for immediate follow-up visits so that the flares are treated before they form complications.