This comprehensive ebook provides authoritative information and practical advice from the nation's health experts about Wegener's Granulomatosis. Starting with the basics, and advancing to detailed patient-oriented and physician-quality information, the 21st Century Sourcebook series gives empowered patients, families, caregivers, nurses, and physicians the information they need to understand this autoimmune disorder. There is extensive coverage of symptoms, diagnosis, medical testing, clinical research, drugs and potential treatments for specific symptoms, and much more.Subjects and topics covered include symptoms of the upper respiratory tract, lungs, kidneys, musculoskeletal system, eyes, skin lesions, diagnosis, treatment, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine, rituximab, other medicines, research, clinical trials, and more.This edition includes our exclusive Guide to Leading Medical Websites with updated links to 81 of the best sites for medical information, which let you quickly check for updates from the government and the best commercial portals, news sites, reference/textbook/non-commercial portals, and health organizations.Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare disease, in which the blood vessels and other tissues become inflamed. This inflammation damages important organs of the body by limiting blood flow to those organs and destroying normal tissue. Although the disease can involve any organ system, Wegener's granulomatosis mainly affects the respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, trachea [windpipe], and lungs) and kidneys. This disorder can affect people at any age and strikes men and women equally. It is rare in African Americans compared with Caucasians. Health experts do not know what causes Wegener's granulomatosis. The first symptoms of Wegener's granulomatosis are often vague and frequently include upper respiratory tract symptoms, joint pains, weakness, and tiredness.The most common sign of Wegener's granulomatosis is involvement of the upper respiratory tract, which occurs in nearly all patients. Symptoms include sinus pain, discolored or bloody fluid from the nose, and, nasal ulcers. A common sign of the disease is almost constant rhinorrhea ("runny nose") or other cold symptoms that do not respond to usual treatment or that become increasingly worse. It is important to note that other more common diseases (such as allergies) can produce constant rhinorrhea and Wegener's granulomatosis is a rare cause of this symptom. Rhinorrhea in Wegener's granulomatosis results from nasal inflammation or sinus drainage and can cause pain. A hole may develop in the cartilage of the nose, which may lead to collapse (called saddle-nose deformity). The eustachian tubes, which are important for normal ear function, may become blocked, causing chronic ear problems and hearing loss. Bacterial infection can complicate Wegener's-related sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) with congestion and chronic sinus pain. The lungs are affected in most people with Wegener's granulomatosis, although no symptoms may be present. If symptoms are present, they include cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), shortness of breath, and chest discomfort.