What is EGPA?

High eosinophils play a key role in EGPA

Eosinophils [ee-uh-sin-uh-fils] are normal white blood cells in your body. If you have EGPA, you may have increased levels of eosinophils that can worsen inflammation. This may cause you to experience more EGPA symptoms and flares.

Simple blood testing can measure eosinophil levels to help your doctor determine if you have EGPA.

EGPA stands for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome

EGPA may affect different parts of the body

The symptoms patients experience depend on which parts of the body are being affected. That’s why symptoms can vary from patient to patient. It’s likely that only some of the symptoms will be present at any given time.

  • Brain and nervous system icon

    Nerves

  • Eye icon

    Eyes

  • Nose icon

    Ears, nose & throat

  • Heart icon

    Heart

  • Lungs icon

    Airways

  • Stomach and intestines icon

    Stomach & intestines

  • Kidneys icon

    Kidneys

  • Skin icon

    Skin

How is EGPA diagnosed?

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EGPA can be difficult to diagnose because there are no widely accepted diagnostic criteria. Although there is no specific test, a combination of symptoms and blood testing that measures eosinophil levels may suggest an EGPA diagnosis.

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In addition, EGPA symptoms can be similar to other diseases. For all these reasons, a combination of factors may be considered for a diagnosis, including:

  • Signs and symptoms
  • Physical examination
  • Laboratory tests
  • Specialized imaging studies
  • A biopsy (removal of a sample of tissue or cells)
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To confirm the diagnosis of EGPA, patients may be referred to doctors who specialize in treating vasculitis or eosinophilic conditions, such as allergists and immunologists, pulmonologists, and rheumatologists. Others may also be involved.

EGPA is uncommon

Because EGPA is uncommon, the diagnosis can often be delayed. You may have to work to have your symptoms understood, but this guide may help you have an open and informed discussion with your doctor.

Download the discussion guide

The word on NUCALA

Hear from real people about their journeys with EGPA and their experiences with NUCALA.

Hear their stories