Treating and Managing EGPA

How It Is Treated

There is no cure for EGPA, but treatment can reduce symptoms, decrease the risk of organ damage, and improve your quality of life. EGPA can affect multiple organs including the lungs, and you may need to work with more than one healthcare provider to manage your disease. To guide your treatment plan, your healthcare provider will review your disease severity, the organs involved, current medications, and other health conditions.

Types of Medications to Treat EGPA

Your healthcare provider may prescribe more than one medication to manage your disease. Medications to treat EGPA come in multiple forms such as a pill, infusion (meaning you will receive the medication through an IV) and subcutaneous (meaning you will receive the medication by an injection in your arm or another part of the body). 

Anti-Inflammatories

Corticosteroids are often the first-line treatment for people with EGPA. You may be treated on a higher dose of this medication, then gradually given lower doses, as your symptoms improve. While tapering off steroids, you will be closely monitored by your healthcare provider. 

Immunosuppressants

Immune lowering medications decrease your immune system’s activity and reduce inflammation or swelling. These medications can be used in combination with corticosteroids and may be used as an add on treatment option.

Biologics

Biologics or monoclonal antibodies are a type of medication that target the inflammation caused by eosinophils, or type of white blood cells, in your immune system. These medications may help you achieve remission and reduce the use of anti-inflammatories or steroids.

Managing EGPA

Managing EGPA includes lifestyle changes and good health practices. Your healthcare provider will carefully monitor you to see how your EGPA is responding to treatment, watch for signs of infection and adjust your medications as needed. Taking immunosuppressants can increase your risk of infection. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations to help protect you from preventable respiratory infections.

EGPA is a chronic condition, meaning even if you achieve remission and no longer have symptoms, you may still need to take your EGPA medication and have follow up appointments with your provider. 

Lifestyle changes and good health practices include: 

• getting the right nutrition and staying hydrated
• regular sleep
• exercising to control your weight
• protecting yourself from dust, fumes, and other harmful substances in the workplace or home
• avoiding secondhand smoke
• tracking your symptoms and side effects carefully
• staying up to date with vaccinations to prevent infections
• managing your asthma symptoms
• quitting tobacco products like cigarettes or vaping. The American Lung Association has programs to help you quit for good.

Finding Support

An important part of managing your disease is having emotional support. It is not uncommon for people being treated for serious diseases like EGPA to feel anxious or upset. Tell your healthcare provider if your mood changes as treatment for your emotional health may make your EGPA treatment plan easier to follow. 

It can also be helpful to find a community or support group of others living with chronic disease to connect with. Here are a few free options available to you:

• The Patient & Caregiver Network is a nationwide support network providing direct access to lung disease management tools, education and connection to others living with lung disease.
• The Living with Lung Disease Support Community and Living with Asthma Support Community on Inspire.com for 24/7, anonymous support. 
• You can call the Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNGUSA and talk to a trained respiratory professional who can help answer your questions and connect you with support. They will send you a free health journal to get started. 
• A Better Breathers Club  offers in person or virtual support and can offer better ways to cope with an EGPA diagnosis and have the support of others.

For More Information

The Vasculitis Foundation has information available to help support for people diagnosed with EGPA.