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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe cause of Churg-Strauss syndrome is probably a combination of factors, although those factors haven't yet been identified. It is known that people with Churg-Strauss syndrome have an overactive immune system. Instead of simply protecting against invading organisms such as bacteria and viruses, the immune system overreacts and targets healthy tissue, causing widespread inflammation. Researchers are still trying to learn what triggers this inappropriate immune response.
The role of medications
Some people have developed Churg-Strauss syndrome after using an asthma and allergy medication called montelukast or when switching from low-dose oral systemic steroids to inhaled steroid medications. Studies have not shown a clear link between these medications and Churg-Strauss syndrome, however, and whether a connection exists remains a point of controversy among experts. It may be that these medications trigger or allow the development of more obvious symptoms for previously undiagnosed Churg-Strauss syndrome.
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