How does Wegeners 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 progres
