Health A-Z

Medical Content Created by the Faculty of the
Harvard Medical School

Wegener's Granulomatosis

Symptoms

When Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) first develops, most people have upper respiratory complaints. Common symptoms of Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) include:

• Persistent nasal congestion

• Nosebleeds

• Fever

• Malaise (a general sick feeling)

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Night sweats

• Joint pain

• Muscle aches

As the disease gets worse, upper respiratory symptoms usually worsen. Other parts of the body can be affected, too.

The following symptoms may occur, depending on the location and severity of the inflammation:

• Symptoms of chronic sinusitis, such as:

  • Sinus pain

  • Discolored nasal discharge

  • Sores or crusting inside the nose

• Earache and hearing loss

• Lung symptoms, including:

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Wheezing

  • Coughing up blood

  • Chest discomfort due to:

    • Inflammation in the lungs and airways

    • Blood clots in the lungs

• Swollen gums

• "Saddle nose deformity," an indentation over the bridge of the nose due to cartilage inflammation

• Ulcers on the tonsils

• Eye symptoms, such as:

  • Eye pain

  • Redness

  • A burning sensation

  • Weakened vision or double vision (this is rare)

• Skin symptoms, including:

  • Red or purple patches

  • Small blisters

  • Ulcers

  • Small nodules

• Swollen joints (due to arthritis)

• Swollen limbs (due to blood clots)

• Symptoms caused by a narrowing of the upper portion of the windpipe, such as:

  • Hoarseness

  • Coughing

  • Breathing problems