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Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare form of vasculitis that limits blood flow to vital organs, requiring early medical intervention.

Overview

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a rare disease. It is a type of vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels. The inflammation 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.

Causes & Risk Factors

The cause of GPA is unknown. It can affect people at any age. Men and women are equally affected. It is more common in whites.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • Joint pain
  • Weakness
  • Tiredness
  • Cold symptoms such as a runny nose that doesn't get better

Diagnosis

Doctors use blood tests, chest X-rays, and biopsies to diagnose GPA and rule out other causes of the symptoms.

Treatment & Management

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency signs can include severe shortness of breath, coughing up blood, sudden vision changes, severe chest pain, or symptoms of kidney failure like decreased urine output or significant swelling. Since GPA can rapidly damage vital organs, any sudden or severe worsening of symptoms, especially those affecting the lungs or kidneys, warrants immediate medical care.
Long-term management typically involves regular blood tests to monitor inflammation markers and kidney function, urine tests, and sometimes imaging like chest X-rays or CT scans. Your doctor will also closely monitor for medication side effects and adjust dosages as needed. Regular visits with specialists, such as a rheumatologist or nephrologist, are crucial to manage the disease and prevent relapses.
Unlike a common cold, GPA-related symptoms often persist or worsen, and can include chronic runny nose, nosebleeds, sinus pain, crusting in the nose, or even saddle nose deformity. Other concerning signs are persistent cough, shortness of breath, joint pain, unexplained fatigue, or blood in urine. If these symptoms are severe, unusual, or don't resolve with typical cold remedies, it's important to seek medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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