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Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a type of vasculitis or swelling (inflammation) of the blood vessels. The disease can cause swelling of the blood vessels anywhere in the body but mainly impacts the sinuses, nose, trachea (windpipe), lungs, and kidneys. The swelling can limit the flow of blood to these body parts, causing damage. Symptoms of the disease can include sinus pain, recurrent respiratory infections, joint pain, tiredness (fatigue), and skin lesions.[1648][4003]
The exact cause of GPA is unknown, but it is a type of autoimmune disease. Diagnosis of GPA can be made with laboratory tests such as a blood test, biopsy of affected areas, and imaging of the lungs. Treatment of GPA often includes medications such as glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants.[1648]
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