Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects small blood vessels. Symptoms of MPA can vary depending on the organs affected, but some common symptoms include:
Common MPA Symptoms:
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak.
- Fever: Elevated body temperature.
- Weight loss: Unexplained decrease in body weight.
- Muscle and joint pain: Aches and stiffness in the muscles and joints.
- Skin rashes: Red, itchy, or purplish patches on the skin.
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up.
- Abdominal pain: Pain in the stomach area.
- Blood in the urine or stool: This can be a sign of kidney or intestinal involvement.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing.
- Cough: A persistent cough.
- Chest pain: Pain in the chest.
More Serious Symptoms:
- Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain.
- Vision changes: Blurred vision, double vision, or loss of vision.
- Numbness or tingling: Loss of feeling in the arms, legs, or face.
- Weakness: Difficulty moving or using certain muscles.
MPA Symptoms and Organ Involvement:
- Kidneys: Damage to the kidneys can lead to kidney failure.
- Lungs: Inflammation of the lungs can cause shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain.
- Nervous system: Inflammation of the nerves can cause seizures, vision changes, numbness, and tingling.
- Skin: Rashes, ulcers, and other skin problems are common.
- Gastrointestinal tract: Inflammation of the digestive tract can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the stool.
Note: If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing MPA and preventing serious complications.
