Goodpasture Syndrome

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Not only are you exhausted, but you’re having trouble breathing. And you’re coughing up blood. Suddenly, the alarm bells start ringing in your head.

You’d probably never heard of Goodpasture syndrome — a rare autoimmune disease that affects your lungs and kidneys — until your provider said you have it. Now your mind may be filled with all kinds of questions, like “what is this condition? and “how will it affect my life?”

You need answers, and the experts at Cleveland Clinic can help. Our healthcare team specializes in treating rare medical conditions like this — for those who get an early diagnosis to those with more advanced cases. We’ll work to improve your life and manage your symptoms with a comprehensive treatment plan.

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Goodpasture Syndrome Care?

Collaborative care:

Your care team may include experts in rheumatology (autoimmune diseases), nephrology (kidneys) and pulmonology (lungs). They’ll work together to design a customized treatment plan that works for you. Meet our team.

Specialized knowledge:

Few providers may know about Goodpasture syndrome. But at Cleveland Clinic, our experts specialize in what to look for and can get you started with treatment right away.

Caring approach:

You probably have a lot of questions and concerns. Our entire team will be there to guide and support you through each step of your care.

Virtual visits:

If getting to your provider’s office is tough, you might be able to have a virtual visit for some appointments. You’ll get the same great care but from the comfort and convenience of home. All you need to get started is an internet connection and a smartphone, computer or tablet.

National recognition:

Cleveland Clinic is a trusted healthcare leader. We're recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for our expertise and care.

Diagnosing Goodpasture Syndrome at Cleveland Clinic

It can be overwhelming to have symptoms that involve your lungs, like coughing up blood and being short of breath. Symptoms of kidney failure — like nausea, vomiting or swollen legs — can also cause stress. While we’re not certain what causes this autoimmune disorder, we do know what symptoms to look for and what tests are needed to confirm a diagnosis. We’ll work as a team to guide you through the tests you need and get you on the track to treatment.

What to expect at your first visit

Along with a lot of questions, you’ll probably have a lot of emotions swirling through your head when you go to your first appointment. That’s why we’ll start with a conversation to learn more about you. We’ll want to hear about your symptoms, how and when they started, and how they’ve affected your daily life.

Your provider may order certain tests to confirm a diagnosis and get a better understanding of your symptoms. These tests may include:

Blood tests.
Urine tests.
CT scan (computed tomography scan) or chest X-ray.
Bronchoscopy.
Kidney biopsy.

Meet Our Goodpasture Syndrome Team

At Cleveland Clinic, we have a team of providers from different specialties who’ll work together to design a personalized treatment plan. Your team may include:

Providers Who Treat Goodpasture Syndrome

Locations

Our healthcare providers see patients at convenient locations throughout Northeast Ohio and in Florida.

Treating Goodpasture Syndrome at Cleveland Clinic

Treatment for Goodpasture syndrome is personalized to what you need. Your healthcare provider may talk to you about how certain lifestyle changes, like avoiding tobacco, can reduce your risk of triggering Goodpasture syndrome. Your treatment plan will depend on how severe your condition is.

If you have a mild form of Goodpasture syndrome, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, like:

Corticosteroids: These steroids help reduce inflammation and stop bleeding in your lungs.
Immunosuppressant drugs: Injections of cyclophosphamide and rituximab prevent your immune system from attacking your body’s tissues.

If you have severe Goodpasture syndrome — which can cause life-threatening bleeding in your lungs and also kidney failure — your provider may recommend a procedure called plasmapheresis, along with medications. Plasmapheresis uses an IV (through a vein in your arm) to remove blood and separate it from its plasma, which has harmful antibodies. Healthy plasma from a blood donor is then added to your blood and put back into your body.

Follow-Up Care

We’re with you through your entire journey with Goodpasture syndrome. We’ll help manage your symptoms and any side effects from treatment. If your condition is mild, treatments can be very effective. And we’ll keep a close eye on your kidneys to make sure they keep working the way they should.

If you have severe Goodpasture syndrome, you may have long-term kidney problems that can result in dialysis or possibly a kidney transplant. No matter what the future holds, we’re here for each step along the way.

Taking the Next Step

It can be unnerving to cough up blood, feel short of breath or have swollen legs. Your mind can go to a lot of different places as you worry about the future. But getting an early diagnosis can set you on the path to treatment and help prevent long-term damage to your kidneys and lungs. The dedicated providers at Cleveland Clinic are ready to use their expertise to provide compassionate care that’ll help you get back to living life to the fullest.