Churg Strauss Syndrome is a rare systemic autoimmune disease
characterized by inflammation of small to medium sized arteries,
arterioles and venules. This inflammatory process of blood vessels
is more commonly known as vasculitis. Churg Strauss vasculitis is
characterized by the invasion and abnormal increase of a white
blood cell known as an eosinophil. The eosinophils cluster together
and release harmful granules that collect in different parts of the
body as inflammatory nodule lesions. This is called granulomatosis.
This eosinophilic inflammation, along with asthma, are the
hallmarks of Churg Strauss Syndrome. The inflammatory process can
cause impaired blood flow to various organ systems. The resultant
damage to different organs may be temporary or permanent.
Churg Strauss Syndrome should be considered when there is late
onset asthma, or worsening asthma, along with either numbness or
pain in the extremities, sinus problems, a lingering cough, a rash,
stomach problems, or symptoms of cardiac involvement.