Wegener's granulomatosis, a type of vasculitis, is classified as an autoimmune disease, has no known cause and when left untreated is fatal. Initially, Wegener's disease might be mistaken for other illnesses with upper or lower respiratory symptomatic complaints. Significant progression of the disease can occur before systemic symptoms arise and are appreciated or when the initial complaints don't resolve with treatment. As of March 2011, no proof indicates that diet affects the likelihood of developing the disease or that diet changes the progression of the disease, according to Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center.
Wegener's Disease Diet
No specific diet is necessary or indicated for Wegener's disease, but the effects of medications and disease progression might require supplementation and dietary limitations or restrictions. The use of steroids in treatment increases blood sugar, which can result in complications. Dietary recommendations might include carbohydrate limitations and blood sugar monitoring. If disease progression affects the kidneys, additional limitations and restrictions might apply. Immunosuppression as a result of medications can decrease the amount of folate and require supplementation. The Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center recommends a heart-healthy diet, avoiding extra calories and consulting with your physician about any supplements or diet changes.
Wegener's Granulomatosis
Inflammation of the vessels throughout the body, granulomatic lesions of the upper and lower respiratory systems, and glomerulonephritis, which affects the kidneys, reflect the effects of Wegener's granulomatosis disease on the body. In Wegener's disease, the granulomas appear as masses of chronically inflamed tissue with granulations associated with infective processes. Granulomas, visible on chest X-ray as areas of density in the lungs that resemble cancer, ultimately destroy normal tissue. The effects on the blood supply to the kidneys can lead to kidney failure with a buildup of wastes in the bloodstream and high blood pressure.
Symptoms
The organs affected with Wegener's disease include the lungs, eyes, muscles and kidneys. The disease symptoms can vary in severity, with a scope of presentation from mild, flu-like symptoms to acute kidney failure, pneumonia and sharp eye pain, reflecting the inflammatory process affecting those tissues. Upper airway symptoms include inflammation of the middle ear and gums, sinus inflammation and congestion, and stridor, which is a harsh sound heard when breathing through a narrowed upper airway. Lower airway symptoms include cough, difficulty breathing and bloody mucus secretions. General symptoms include fever, loss of appetite and weight, fatigue, and weakness.
Treatment
Steroids, particularly prednisone, and an antineoplastic called cyclophosphamide are part of the traditional therapy for Wegener's disease. Starting therapy as soon as possible is vital to preserving organ function. The goal of treatment with prednisone and cyclophosphamide is to achieve a remission status in the progression of the disease. After remission is established, cyclophosphamide is withdrawn and methotrexate, another antineoplastic, is effective for maintenance therapy. If a relapse occurs, stopping methotrexate and reinstituting a cyclophosphamide and prednisone regimen can bring about another remission. Monitoring for side effects of prednisone, cyclophosphamide and methotrexate requires frequent blood testing to prevent toxicity and avoid complications.
