Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in your blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow to your tissues and organs. When not enough blood reaches these areas, damage can occur. Vasculitis affects people of all ages but is more common in those over 50.
Vasculitis symptoms vary depending on the affected area of the body. General symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, and aches. Specific symptoms related to different body parts may include:
Eyes: redness, itching, burning, double vision, or blindness
Skin: rashes, lumps, or open sores
Nerves: numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness
Brain: stroke
Heart: palpitations or heart attack
Kidneys: kidney failure
Digestive system: pain after eating or blood in stool
The exact causes of vasculitis are not always known, but possible triggers include autoimmune diseases, infections, allergic reactions to medications, and certain blood cancers. Risk factors that may increase your chances of developing vasculitis include age, family history, cocaine use, smoking, certain medications, and infections like COVID-19 or hepatitis.
Diagnosing vasculitis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests to detect inflammation and underlying causes. Tests may include blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, CT, PET scans, ultrasounds, or angiograms), heart tests, and biopsies.
Treatment for vasculitis aims to control inflammation and prevent damage to organs and blood vessels. The most common medications prescribed are steroids like prednisone. Other medications, such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, mycophenolate, rituximab, or tocilizumab, may be used in combination with steroids. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged blood vessels or restore blood flow.
Complications of vasculitis can include organ damage, blood clots, aneurysms, vision loss, and infections. The prognosis for vasculitis depends on factors such as the type of vasculitis, the speed of diagnosis, affected organs, and other health problems. While there is no cure, proper treatment can lead to long periods of remission.
Managing vasculitis involves understanding the disease, adhering to treatment plans, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can help cope with the side effects of medications. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations and seeking support from loved ones or support groups can also be beneficial.
Vasculitis is a serious autoimmune disease that affects blood vessels, organs, and tissues. While there is no cure, early diagnosis and proper treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent complications. By understanding the disease, following treatment plans, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, people with vasculitis can lead long and active lives.
Batten disease is a rare group of nervous system disorders called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCLs) or ceroid lipofuscinosis, neuronal (CLN). This genetic condition [...]
If you've noticed swelling, redness, or pain at the tip of your elbow, you might be experiencing olecranon bursitis, also known as Popeye's elbow. This condition [...]
Dysphagia is a condition that makes swallowing difficult or, in some cases, impossible. While swallowing may seem like a simple task, it actually involves a complex process [...]