Wegener's Granulomatosis

Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare disease. It is a type of vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels. This limits the flow of blood to important organs, causing damage. It can affect any organ, but it mainly affects the sinuses, nose, trachea (windpipe), lungs and kidneys.

The cause of Wegener's granulomatosis is unknown. Symptoms may include joint pain, weakness, tiredness and cold symptoms such as a runny nose that doesn't get better. Doctors use blood tests and chest x-rays to diagnose the disease and rule out other causes of the symptoms.

Early treatment is important. Most people improve with medicines to slow or stop the inflammation.