Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)
Overview
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare condition where blood vessels become inflamed, mainly in the ears, nose, sinuses, kidneys and lungs. It can be serious if not treated but medicines can help manage the symptoms.
Symptoms
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a type ofvasculitis, which is an inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms vary between people, and can be mild or severe. In some people, they come on slowly over many months, and in others they appear suddenly. General symptoms may be mild and start before symptoms in specific parts of the body. They can include: high temperaturenight sweatsfeeling weak and tiredjoint painloss of appetiteweight loss Other symptoms depend on which parts of your body are affected, so you may not have all the symptoms. Ears, nose and sinuses Ear infection, hearing loss, blocked or runny nose, crusting of blood and mucus in the nose, nosebleeds, sinus pain Eyes Conjunctivitis, swollen eyelids, double vision, blurred vision Lungs A cough that does not go away, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing Kidneys High blood pressure, swelling in the legs, kidney failure Skin Rashes, ulcers, small spots Stomach Tummy pain, diarrhoea, blood in poo If your symptoms come back after treatment (a relapse), or they stop responding to treatment, you may be offered a medicine called benralizumab.
Treatment
You'll be treated by a specialist if you have granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Treatment depends on how severe it is and the body parts affected. There are 2 stages of treatment – bringing the condition under control and keeping it under control. If your symptoms come back after treatment (a relapse), or they stop responding to treatment, you may be offered a medicine called benralizumab.