What is Vasculitis?
Vasculitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. This can make the walls of the blood vessels thicker, which reduces the width of the passageway through the vessel. If blood flow is restricted, this can lead to organ and tissue damage.
There are many types of vasculitides, and most of them are rare. Vasculitis can affect just one organ or several. The condition can be short-term or long-lasting.
Vasculitis can affect anyone, but it is more common in certain age groups. Depending on the type of vasculitis you have, you may improve without treatment. Most types require medications to control the inflammation and prevent flare-ups.
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Medical terms
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels, large or small. It is caused by an abnormal reaction of the immune system and can lead to tissue damage and dysfunction of the affected organs. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the organs or systems affected, but can include fever, fatigue, skin rashes, weight loss, and joint pain. Vasculitis can be acute or chronic, depending on the severity of the condition.
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels, which can be caused by a variety of conditions. It is a very serious condition that can have long-lasting and sometimes life-threatening effects. It is typically treated with corticosteroids, although in some cases, other medications may be necessary. It is important to recognize the symptoms of vasculitis and seek medical attention as soon as possible in order to receive the best treatment possible.
Vasculitis is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of autoimmune conditions. It is characterized by inflammation of blood vessels that can cause damage to organs and tissues throughout the body. In some cases, vasculitis can be life-threatening, due to its tendency to damage vital organs, such as the heart, brain, and lungs. Patients with vasculitis often experience complications, such as problems with their circulation and the development of organ failure.
Vasculitis will have an effect on individuals at any age. Some forms have an effect on blood vessels that attend or provide specific organs like your skin, eyes, or brain. different kinds may involve several organ systems at an equivalent time. a number of these general forms might be gentle and not like treatment. Others could also be severe.
Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels It may affect large or small vessels and arteries veins lymphatic vessels heart valves and muscle tissue around the artery The primary cause of vasculitis is not known There are many factors that could contribute to the development of this condition including certain infections (e.g. hepatitis C) genetic predisposition and environmental causes such as smoking and exposure to chemicals (e.g. dyes)
The Symptoms of GV are: * Palpable purplish-red edema with downfolding and wrinkling at the ankle level (see picture) * In advanced cases the skin may be ulcerated or fissured * Necrosis of the underlying soft tissue occurs in late stages exposing blood vessels
Types Vasculitis
Behcet's disease
Buerger's disease
Churg-Strauss syndrome
Cryoglobulinemia
Giant cell arteritis
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Henoch-Schonlein purpura
Kawasaki disease
Takayasu's arteritis
Symptoms Vasculitis
Some signs and symptoms of vasculitis include:
Fever
Headache
Fatigue
Weight loss
General aches and pains
Other signs and symptoms may be related to the parts of the body that are affected, including:
Digestive system.If your stomach or intestines are affected, you may experience pain after eating. This can happen with ulcers or perforations in the intestines, which can lead to blood in the stool.
Ears.Hearing loss may cause dizziness and ringing in the ears.
Eyes.If you have vasculitis, your eyes may look red and itchy or burn. Giant cell arteritis can cause double vision and temporary or permanent blindness in one or both eyes. This can be the first sign of the disease.
Hands or feet.Some types of vasculitis can cause numbness or weakness in a hand or foot. The hands and feet might swell or become hard.
Lungs.If vasculitis affects your lungs, you may experience shortness of breath or even coughing up blood.
Skin.If there is bleeding under the skin, it may cause red spots. Vasculitis can also cause lumps or open sores on the skin.
When to see a doctor
If you have any signs or symptoms that make you worried, talk to your doctor. Vasculitis can quickly get worse if it is not diagnosed early.
Causes Vasculitis
The exact cause of vasculitis is not fully understood. Some types are related to a person's genetic makeup. Others may be caused by the immune system attacking blood vessel cells by mistake. Possible triggers for this immune system reaction include:
Hepatitis infections can include hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Blood cancers
Diseases that affect the immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma, can occur.
Reactions to certain drugs
Risk factors Vasculitis
Anybody can get vasculitis. Risk factors for this condition include:
Age.Giant cell arteritis rarely occurs before the age of 50, while Kawasaki disease is most common in children younger than 5 years old.
Family history.Some people with Behcet's disease and Kawasaki disease have relatives who also have these diseases.
Lifestyle choices.Cocaine use can increase your risk of developing vasculitis, and smoking tobacco can increase your risk of developing Buerger's disease.
Medications.If vasculitis is caused by medications, it may be triggered by hydralazine, allopurinol, and minocycline.
Infections.Having hepatitis B or C can increase your risk of blood vessel inflammation.
Immune disorders.People who have disorders that involve their immune systems attacking their own bodies may be at a higher risk of vasculitis. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma are all disorders that fall into this category.
Sex.Giant cell arteritis is more common in women, whereas Buerger's disease is more common in men.
Complications Vasculitis
Complications of vasculitis depend on the type and severity of your condition. Or they may be caused by side effects of the prescription medications you use to treat the condition. Vasculitis complications can include:
Organ damage.Some types of vasculitis can be very severe and can cause major damage to organs.
Blood clots and aneurysms.A blood clot may form in a blood vessel that is obstructing blood flow. Rarely vasculitis will cause a weakened or bulging blood vessel, which is called an aneurysm
Vision loss or blindness.Giant cell arteritis can lead to complications.
Infections.Some of the medications used to treat vasculitis may weaken your immune system. This can increase your susceptibility to infections.
Can vasculitis be completely cured?
Vasculitis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels Its symptoms and severity differ from patient to patient but it can be effectively managed with medication and lifestyle changes The cause of vasculitis is not fully understood Researchers suspect that it's an immune response to infection or injury in the body including infections like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) hepatitis C or Lyme disease Some illnesses such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are associated with vasculitis Radiation therapy for certain cancers may also trigger the condition because it damages the veins and arteries which increases.
How long until vasculitis goes away?
This depends on what type of vasculitis affects a person For example some types such as temporal arteritis and polyarteritis nodosa may go away within weeks or months of diagnosis Others such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) may last for many years or even the rest of a person's life More than 40 percent of people who have GPA will eventually develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) This can lead to high blood pressure and anemia and requires treatment during flares in order to maintain normal kidney function.
What vitamins help vasculitis?
Vasculitis is a disease that attacks blood vessels and causes damage to the body It can be caused by autoimmune disorders or infections such as hepatitis C Certain vitamins have been shown to boost immune function and help the body fight infection Taking these vitamins may aid in relieving signs of vasculitis.
Is walking good for vasculitis?
Walking is good for vasculitis it makes you healthier in general There are many rewards of walking whether by yourself or with someone else Walking reduces your risk of developing heart disease type 2 diabetes and some kinds of cancer It also keeps your immune system strong and able to fight off infections In addition walking helps you control your weight by burning calories which can help reduce the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.
What does vasculitis look like on legs?
If you want to achieve your health goals and get the body you’ve always wanted a good place to start is by eating well-balanced meals that are high in nutrients If you need some help with meal planning take advantage of this guide on healthy cooking tips Eating the right foods can go a long way; however if your diet isn’t providing enough energy to fuel your workouts and activities throughout the day consider supplementing with Eat The Bear Food Supplements It has all of the vitamins minerals and micronutrients that our bodies need to stay healthy.
Diagnosis Vasculitis
Your doctor will likely take your medical history and perform a physical exam. He or she may also order one or more diagnostic tests and procedures to determine if other conditions might be causing the symptoms of vasculitis or to diagnose vasculitis. Tests and procedures might include:
Blood tests. These tests look for signs of inflammation, such as a high level of C-reactive protein. A complete blood cell count can determine whether you have enough red blood cells. Blood tests that look for certain antibodies, such as the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) test, can help Diagnose vasculitis.
Imaging tests. Noninvasive imaging techniques can help your doctor see which blood vessels and organs are affected by vasculitis. They can also help track whether you are responding to treatment. Imaging tests for vasculitis may include X-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI. PET scans use positrons to image the body.
A blood vessel scan (angiography) will be done to see the health of your blood vessels.A flexible catheter is inserted into a large artery or vein. A special dye is then injected into the catheter, and X-rays are taken to show the outline of your blood vessels.
Biopsy.This is a medical procedure in which your doctor removes a small sample of tissue from the affected area of your body. This tissue may be examined to determine if you have vasculitis.
Treatment Vasculitis
The treatment focuses on controlling the inflammation and managing any underlying conditions that may be causing the vasculitis.
Medications
Vasculitis is a condition that is treated with a corticosteroid drug. These drugs are often referred to as "anti-inflammatory" because they help to control the inflammation that is associated with this condition.
Corticosteroids can have serious side effects, especially if taken for a long time. Some possible side effects include weight gain, diabetes, and weakened bones. If corticosteroids are needed for long-term treatment, the lowest possible dose will be given.
Corticosteroids are sometimes prescribed along with other medications to control the inflammation. The medication used will depend on the type of vasculitis present. Other medications may include methotrexate (Trexall) and azathioprine (Imuran). Some cancer treatments include azathioprine (Azasan), mycophenolate (CellCept) cyclophosphamide, tocilizumab (Actemra), or rituximab (Rituxan).
Depending on the type and severity of your vasculitis, you may need specific medications. Additionally, any other medical problems you have may require treatment as well.
Surgery
If vasculitis causes an aneurysm, a bulge in the wall of a blood vessel, that may need surgery to reduce the risk of it rupturing. Blocked arteries may require medical treatment to restore blood flow to the affected area.
Coping and support
Some of the challenges of living with vasculitis may be dealing with side effects of your medication. The following suggestions may help:
Understand your condition.Be aware of vasculitis and its treatment options. Be sure to tell your doctor about any changes in your health, and be aware of the possible side effects of the drugs you take.
Follow your treatment plan.Your treatment may include seeing your doctor regularly for more tests and checking your blood pressure.
Choose a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet can help to prevent potential problems that may result from your medications, such as thinning bones, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Make sure to include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and fish in your diet. If you're taking a corticosteroid medication, be sure to follow the instructions carefully. It is important to speak with your doctor before taking any supplements, including vitamins D and calcium.
Get routine vaccinations.Keeping up to date on vaccinations can help you avoid problems that can result from your medications, such as infection. Talk to your doctor about which vaccinations are necessary.
Exercise most days of the week. Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, can help prevent bone loss, high blood pressure, and diabetes that are associated with taking corticosteroids. It also benefits your heart and lungs. A lot of people find that exercise is beneficial to their mood and overall sense of well-being. If you take corticosteroids regularly, regular exercise may help reduce the risk of bone loss, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Start out slowly and gradually increase your exercise intensity as you get used to it. Your doctor can help plan an exercise program that is right for you.
Maintain a strong support system.You can talk to family and friends about your vasculitis condition. If you think it might be helpful, ask a member of your health care team about finding a support group for people with vasculitis.
Making sure you are prepared for your appointment.
If you have any signs or symptoms that concern you, make an appointment with your doctor. If your doctor suspects that you have vasculitis, he or she may refer you to a specialist in joint diseases (rheumatologist) who is experienced in helping people with this condition. Your treatment will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, which means that different specialists will be involved depending on the type and severity of your condition.
People who treat vasculitis include specialists.
Doctors who specialize in joint and autoimmune diseases are called rheumatologists.
Doctors who work with the brain and nervous system are called neurologists.
Eye doctors (ophthalmologists)
Heart doctors (cardiologists)
Kidney doctors (nephrologists)
Lung doctors (pulmonologists)
Skin doctors (dermatologists)
Urologists are doctors who specialize in the urinary and urogenital systems.
What you can do
Be well-prepared for your appointments. Try to:
Please be aware of any restrictions that may have been set in advance.Before your appointment, ask if you need to restrict your diet in any way.
Send previous test information.If you have been referred to a larger medical center, ask your home doctor to forward previous imaging and biopsy results before your appointment.
Tell me if you are experiencing any symptoms.Make sure to bring any materials that may seem unrelated to why you're coming in for your appointment.
List key personal medical information,We will want to know about any recent health problems or major stresses you've had, as well as any medications you're taking and any vitamins and supplements you're taking.
Make sure to bring someone with you to the appointment.Having someone with you during your visit to the doctor will help you remember what was discussed.
List questions you want to ask your doctor.
Some basic questions to ask if you are considering vasculitis include:
What type of vasculitis do I have?
What's causing my vasculitis?
Will I need more tests?
Is my vasculitis acute or chronic?
Will my vasculitis go away on its own?
Is my vasculitis serious?
Can you tell me if any part of my body has been seriously damaged by vasculitis?
Can my illness that affects the blood vessels be cured?
What are my treatment options?
What are the benefits and risks of each decoupage treatment?
Can you tell me what the best treatment for me might be?
How long will treatment last?
What are some ways to manage my other medical conditions together?
Should I see a specialist?
Can I take some brochures or other printed material with me? What websites do you recommend?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask:
When did you first start experiencing the symptoms?
Has your problem been ongoing or sporadic?
How bad are your symptoms?
What can improve your symptoms?
If anything appears to worsen your symptoms, what should you do?
General summary
Vasculitis is a type of inflammation that’s characterized by swelling or the thickening and hardening of the walls of blood vessels The cause can be viral bacterial fungal or parasitic infections; autoimmune disorders such as lupus; chemicals used to treat cancer; a reaction to medications such as steroids aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs; and sometimes injuries Vasculitis causes symptoms like skin rashes and redness joint pain fever and fatigue There are few side effects associated with this condition once treatment has been initiated.
and Lyme disease Vasculitis is an auto-immune inflammatory disorder that attacks the blood vessels It can destroy these vessels and cause them to leak or become blocked which in turn causes inflammation and pain Symptoms of vasculitis may include joint stiffness fever fatigue and non-healing ulcers People with vasculitis often have a high temperature when their body tries to fight off the infection causing damage to the skin surfaces or other areas of the body There are two forms of vasculitis: granulomatous (noninfectious) and necrotizing (infectious) with Lyme disease having some symptoms.
Vasculitis is a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels. It can involve any size or type of blood vessel and can affect any organ in the body. The inflammation from vasculitis leads to narrowed and weakened blood vessels, which can reduce or stop blood flow, damage organs, and cause certain signs and symptoms. Vasculitis can be caused by an autoimmune disorder, infection, or reaction to a medication or substance.
Vasculitis is an umbrella term used to describe a group of disorders characterized by inflammation of the blood vessel walls. It has a wide range of symptoms and causes and can involve any organ system. The most common form of vasculitis is Buerger Disease, an inflammation of arteries and veins in the hands and feet. Other forms include Giant Cell Arteritis, Wegener's Granulomatosis and Kawasaki Disease, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.