Singulair Churg-Strauss Syndrome

Singulair is the brand name of the prescription drug montelukast sodium. Doctors may prescribe this drug to asthma patients. Churg-Strauss syndrome is a reported side effect of asthma patients who used Singulair, according to Drugs.com. This rare medical condition causes asthma and abnormally high blood levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cells. Vasculitis, a severe inflammation of the blood vessels, may occur with Churg-Strauss syndrome.

Singulair

• Singulair blocks leukotrienes in the body to improve symptoms of asthma and allergies. The drug improves daily asthma effects but it does not relieve acute asthma attacks. People who experience breathing problems while taking this drug need to see a doctor. Common side effects of Singular include cough, headache and tiredness, and should be reported to a doctor. This drug is administered orally and is available in tablet and oral granule forms.

Churg-Strauss Syndrome

• Churg-Strauss syndrome is a rare disorder that causes a person’s immune system to attack healthy tissue. The causes of this disease have not been clearly identified. Singulair users with asthma may experience worsening asthma, a sign of Churg-Strauss syndrome. Hay fever symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose may occur with Churg-Strauss. Sinus inflammation can develop with this condition and may cause nasal polyps and facial pain, according to MayoClinic.com.

Hypereosinophilia

• Hypereosinophilia is the second phase of Churg-Strauss syndrome and results in high blood levels of eosinophils. The lungs and gastrointestinal tract are often affected by this disease phase. People with this condition may experience fatigue, weight loss and fever. Night sweats, abdominal pain and bleeding in the gastrointestinal attract may occur with hypereosinophilia. This phase may last for several months or years.

Vasculitis

• The third phase of Churg-Strauss syndrome is systemic vasculitis, a severe inflammation of the blood vessels. This phase reduces the flow of blood to body tissues and vital organs such as the heart, digestive tract and peripheral nervous system. People with vasculitis may develop skin sores, aching joints, and severe pain in the feet and hands. Diarrhea, vomiting and nausea may occur with this, as well as chest pain, shortness of breath and an irregular heartbeat.

Treatment

• People who develop symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome should see a doctor as soon as possible. Physicians may treat patients with high doses of corticosteroids such as prednisone to relieve symptoms. A doctor may gradually lower the corticosteroid dose to reduce the chances of drug side effects such as high blood sugar, bone loss and infections. Individuals may require treatment with immuno-suppressive drugs such as cyclophosphamide, methotrexate or azathioprine.