For reasons unknown, eosinophils , ordinarily a minority of the body's defensive white blood cells, become too numerous and attack healthy tissue. In a few patients, they infiltrate the digestive system and damage parts of the abdominal organs which must then be surgically removed. Thought to be an allergic reaction, Churg-Strauss Syndrome cannot be attributed to a specific cause. Often flu-like, with general aches and pains, malaise, fever, followed by severe pain setting in a particular organ or area, or numbness and tingling in the hands and feet or both. The numbness and tingling may deepen until the hands and feet both lose the feeling and function.
Some patients experience severe abdominal pain.
There may also be visual disturbances. This is often difficult because of the vagueness of the symptoms. A prior history of asthma. Ironically, while the disorder is difficult to discern, speedy diagnosis and treatment are important for a good recovery. The chances for rehabilitation are good if the treatment begins early.