Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis can develop suddenly or over several months. The first warning signs usually involve your sinuses, throat or lungs. The condition often worsens rapidly, affecting blood vessels and the organs they supply, such as the kidneys.

Signs and symptoms of granulomatosis with polyangiitis might include:

• Pus-like drainage with crusts from your nose, stuffiness, sinus infections and nosebleeds
• Coughing, sometimes with bloody phlegm
• Shortness of breath or wheezing
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Numbness in your limbs, fingers or toes
• Weight loss
• Blood in your urine
• Skin sores, bruising or rashes
• Eye redness, burning or pain, and vision problems
• Ear inflammation and hearing problems

For some people, the disease affects only the lungs. When the kidneys are affected, blood and urine tests can detect the problem. Without treatment, kidney or lung failure can occur.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have a runny nose that doesn't respond to over-the-counter cold medicines, especially if it's accompanied by nosebleeds and pus-like material, coughing up blood, or other warning signs of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Because this disease can worsen quickly, early diagnosis is key to getting effective treatment.