Wegener's granulomatosis is a type of vasculitis. It causes inflammation of blood vessels in the respiratory system and kidneys. Signs and symptoms including runny nose, sinus infection, nosebleeds, coughing up bloody phlegm, shortness of breath, and fatigue. When the kidneys are affected, you may have blood in urine. Without treatment, it can leads to kidney failure and anemia. Drugs include cortiosteroids to control inflammation, immunne system suppressants such as cyclophosphamide, azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall). Rituximab (Rituxan) can substitute cyclophosphamide since Rituximab has fewer side effects.
How is Wegener's granulomatosis treated in practice?