GPA flare, is it likely even if I only have 1 symptom

[stuc]

I was diagnosed with GPA in 2017, I have had 3 flares since initial diagnosis and although the symptoms have got milder each time, I always have the same symptoms - pain and loss of hearing in my ear, discomfort and blood in my nose, pain and stiffness in my finger joints and extreme fatigue.

I regularly get ear infections which normally clears with steroid ear drops from ENT

for the last 3 weeks I have had pain and loss of hearing in my ear, the ear drops have not helped.

I am waiting now on my blood results to check if my markets are up

Is it likely that I could be flaring even if I only have one of my usual symptoms?

Thanks

[Grizzly-bear]

I’m on rituximab and would consider myself to be in remission but I occasionally get painful and bloody noses which self resolves without going back on prednisone. This is the only lingering aspect of vasculitis that I get, so I imagine it’s possible that you could just get one symptom and none of the others. I’ve got permanent tinnitus from vasculitis but got my hearing back a couple of years ago when I started treatment and haven’t lost it since, but it does sometimes feel like I’m in a wind tunnel.

[stuc in reply to Grizzly-bear]

Thanks

[Suzi70 Administrator Vasculitis UK]

Any reoccurring or new symptoms should be investigated.

What medication are you receiving to control the GPA?

[stuc in reply to Suzi70]

Thanks Suzi70

I have been on azathioprine since initial diagnosis, I have been stable for a long time and haven’t needed rituximab since my last flare 3 years ago.

I know my anca has been slowly creeping up in the last 4 months but my inflammation markers have stayed normal.

[Suzi70 Administrator Vasculitis UK in reply to stuc]

I only ask, as Azathioprine alone, never controlled my husband’s GPA he suffered a severe relapse. He was immediately taken off azathioprine and another drug was introduced instead.

[zoe69 Moderator Volunteer Vasculitis UK]

Unfortunatelly, yes. A persistent symptom can indicate a flare up. Very interesting and positive that symptoms have been milder in your flare ups.

[stuc in reply to zoe69]

Thanks zoe69

Hopefully will know more when blood results come back