WEGENERS GRANULOMATOSIS By: Camille Baker & Allie Clark

Background Information  An uncommon type of inflammation of small arteries and veins  Involves inflammation of arteries that supply blood to the tissues of the lungs, sinuses, and kidneys

Autoimmune Properties  The cause is unknown, but it may develop as a result of an inflammation causing event that causes an unusual reaction from your immune system  An infection may cause this, but has not been identified  Can lead to inflamed constricted blood vessels and harmful inflammatory tissue masses (granulomas)

Symptoms  Fatigue  Weight Loss  Fevers  Shortness of Breath  Joint Pains  Sinus Inflammation  Nasal Ulcerations  Bloody Noses  Runny Nose  Cough  Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)  Joint Swelling  Conjunctivitis  Narrowing of the Trachea

Treatments Treated with medicines called glucocorticoids which are steroid hormones that reduce inflammation in addition to chemotherapy to control the overactive immune system  Azathioprine  Cyclophosphamide  Methotrexate  Fosamax  Folic Acid

Additional Facts  These pictures show the inflammatory tissue masses (granulomas) that form as a result of this disease.  Both sexes are equally likely to get this disease.  Doesn’t usually occur in childhood

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