"Goa disease" is an outdated term for Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a rare disorder affecting blood vessels.
Understanding Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is a serious condition that causes inflammation in the blood vessels. This inflammation, known as vasculitis, primarily affects vessels in specific parts of the body:
- Nose and Sinuses: Inflammation can lead to sinus pain, nosebleeds, and nasal crusting.
- Throat: It can cause pain and discomfort.
- Lungs: Lung involvement can result in shortness of breath and coughing.
- Kidneys: Kidney damage is a significant concern, potentially leading to kidney failure.
Key Features of GPA
- Vasculitis: The primary issue is inflammation of the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to organs.
- Uncommon Disorder: GPA is relatively rare, making diagnosis challenging.
- Systemic Impact: It can affect multiple organs simultaneously, resulting in various symptoms.
Why the Name Change?
The term "Wegener's granulomatosis" was changed to "Granulomatosis with polyangiitis" to reflect a more accurate description of the disease and to remove the association with the historical figure, Friedrich Wegener, whose past associations were deemed inappropriate by some groups in the medical community.
Simplified Explanation
In simple terms, GPA is a condition where the body's immune system attacks its own blood vessels, leading to inflammation. This can impact the flow of blood and cause problems in the nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys. It is important to note that the term "Goa disease" is not currently used in medical practice, with "Granulomatosis with polyangiitis" being the preferred term.
