Symptoms

Churg-Strauss syndrome varies greatly from person to person. Some people have only mild symptoms. Others have severe or life-threatening complications.

Also known as EGPA, the syndrome tends to occur in three stages and gets progressively worse. Almost everyone with the condition has asthma, chronic sinusitis and elevated counts of white blood cells called eosinophils.

Other signs and symptoms might include:

• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Joint and muscle pain
• Abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding
• Weakness, fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell
• Rash or skin sores
• Pain, numbness, and tingling in your hands and feet

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you develop breathing difficulties or a runny nose that doesn't go away, especially if it's accompanied by persistent facial pain. Also see your doctor if you have asthma or nasal allergies that suddenly worsen.

Churg-Strauss syndrome is rare, and it's more likely that these symptoms have some other cause. But it's important that your doctor evaluate them. Early diagnosis and treatment improve the chances of a good outcome.