What is eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare but serious autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the blood vessel walls, mainly affecting small and medium-sized blood vessels, accompanied by an abnormal increase in eosinophils, which usually causes organ damage, especially the lungs, skin, and nervous system. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing further progression of the disease. Causes include genetics, environmental exposure, immune abnormalities, etc. Treatments include hormone drugs, immunosuppressants, and biologics.

1Possible Causes

The exact cause of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis is not yet fully understood, but it is generally believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic factors: Some gene mutations may increase susceptibility to disease. People with a family history of autoimmune disease are at higher risk.

Environmental factors: Contact with certain allergens such as parasites, animal hair, pollen, and pollutants may stimulate the overactivation of eosinophils. The long-term existence of allergic diseases such as tracheitis and asthma may also be a triggering factor.

Immune system abnormalities: Imbalance in immune regulation functions causes the body to mistakenly attack normal tissues, triggering vascular inflammation and granuloma formation.

2 Typical symptoms

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis usually presents in three stages:

Prodromal stage: Patients often have airway allergic symptoms, such as allergic rhinitis and chronic asthma, which may even last for many years.

Eosinophilia stage: The number of eosinophils in the blood and tissues increases significantly, causing damage to organs such as the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and skin, manifested by symptoms such as cough, abdominal pain, and rash.

Vasculitis stage: Inflammation of small blood vessels leads to ischemic lesions, and patients may develop dangerous conditions such as neuropathy, renal dysfunction, or heart disease.

3 Treatment methods

Treatment aims to control symptoms and prevent further organ damage. Common methods include:

Hormonal drugs: such as oral prednisone, are used to reduce inflammatory responses and are the main means of controlling acute attacks.

Immunosuppressants: such as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine, are used to reduce excessive immune system reactions after mild symptoms have stabilized or when the dose of hormones needs to be reduced.

Biologics: Targeted therapies that target specific eosinophil factors, such as mepolizumab, can significantly reduce tissue damage caused by abnormal eosinophilia.

In terms of lifestyle, you can adjust your diet, such as increasing the intake of antioxidants, avoiding allergens, and regularly checking your blood routine and important organ functions.

Early intervention for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis can significantly slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of organ damage. Patients with long-term asthma or unexplained eosinophilia should be alert to the disease and seek medical evaluation in a timely manner.