This disease is called hemorrhagic pneumonia with nephritis, pulmonary hemorrhage or idiopathic hemosiderosis. Its real name is Goodpasture's syndrome. This is a very rare disease that affects one person per million. And yet you need to know about its features, symptoms and methods of treatment.
The main causes and symptoms of Goodpasture Syndrome
This is a complex autoimmune disease associated with disorders and lesions of the basal membranes of the lung alveoli. More clearly, the syndrome develops in people with weak immunity and is characterized by pulmonary hemorrhage. Diagnosed Goodpasture syndrome infrequently and most of the sick - young people. The disease prefers men between the ages of 18 and 35.
Scientific works and abstracts on Goodpasture's syndrome have been written quite a lot, but no scientist has so far been able to pinpoint the cause of the disease. It is known for certain that the syndrome is based on the formation of specific antibodies, which, in turn, affect the complex chemical processes in the body. All this as a result provokes damage to the vascular wall.
There are suggestions that Goodpasture's syndrome can be caused by viral or bacterial infections (such as, for example, the influenza virus). In addition, external factors can also have a negative impact on the immune system. As practice has shown, smokers from intrapulmonary haemorrhage suffer more often. Dangers and people working in premises with an aggressive chemical environment, as well as those who take certain medications, are exposed.
Arguing about the causes of the disease, we must not forget about the genetic predisposition, although in the case of Goodpasture's syndrome this version may well be erroneous. And some experts and do believe that the disease develops against the background of regular hypothermia.
The first symptoms of Goodpasture's syndrome are very similar to manifestations of traditional pulmonary pathologies. The main distinguishing feature is a more rapid development. Unlike the usual cold, Goodpasture's syndrome from the initial to the most neglected stage can go on in a matter of days.
The main manifestations of the disease include:
- hemoptysis (sometimes blood veins are visible in the sputum, sometimes small blood clots are expectorated);
- weakness;
- loss of legal capacity;
- shortness of breath ;
- unpleasant sensations in the chest;
- a sharp decrease in body weight;
- temperature increase;
- development of renal failure;
- a decrease in hemoglobin.
Diagnosis and treatment of Goodpasture's syndrome
If you do not pay attention to Goodpasture's syndrome, then the disease may well lead to death. To avoid prolonged and too complicated treatment, with the first suspicions it is desirable to consult a specialist. Diagnose
In the patient's blood, the study will be able to determine the presence of specific antibodies. In addition, suspicion can cause decreased hemoglobin and elevated levels of red blood cells. In a general blood test for Goodpasture's syndrome indicates a large amount of protein. On the roentgenogram the places of inflammation are clearly visible.
Treatment of Goodpasture's syndrome even in the early stages should be intense. Usually the treatment course includes hormonal drugs and istiostatics. Some patients are required to demonstrate substitution therapy - transfusion of plasma and erythrocyte mass. If the syndrome provokes a reduced kidney function, dialysis, and sometimes even a transplant, may be required.