Granulomatosis

Granulomatosis is a medical condition characterized by the formation of granulomas, which are small areas of inflammation in tissue. Granulomas are typically formed in an attempt to wall off substances that the body perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate. Such substances include infectious organisms such as bacteria and fungi, as well as non-infectious foreign materials such as silica dust.

Causes

Granulomatosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to certain types of dust or chemicals. Some specific causes include:

• Tuberculosis, a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs
• Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that often affects the lungs and lymph nodes
• Wegener's granulomatosis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels
• Exposure to silica dust, which can cause silicosis, a type of lung disease
• Exposure to beryllium, which can cause berylliosis, a chronic lung disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of granulomatosis can vary widely depending on the cause and the areas of the body that are affected. Some common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Rash
• Joint pain

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of granulomatosis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory tests. These may include:

• Blood tests to check for signs of inflammation
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to look for granulomas in the lungs or other organs
• Biopsy to examine tissue for granulomas

Treatment

Treatment for granulomatosis depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressant drugs for autoimmune diseases
• Avoidance of dust or chemicals that can cause granulomas

See also

• Granuloma
• Inflammation
• Autoimmune disease
• Lung disease

Granulomatosis Resources
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