Vasculitis: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a medical problem that causes changes in the condition of the blood vessels, such as thickening, weakening, narrowing, and scarring. This disease is also commonly referred to as anglitis or arteritis.

These problems occur due to inflammation of the blood vessels. Inflammation is usually caused by an infection, certain medications, the presence of another health problem, or other condition.

Vasculitis is a condition that can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). In some cases, this condition can occur on its own. However, some cases of vasculitis are generally a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. systemic lupus erythematosus , or systemic sclerosis.

In serious cases, this disease can cause organ failure, putting the patient at risk of losing their life. There are about 20 types of diseases that are classified as vasculitis. The complications and severity depend on what blood vessels are affected.

How common is vasculitis?

This disease is very common and can occur in patients of any age. Depending on the type, this disease has a fairly variable incidence rate.

Henoch-Schonlein purpura type vasculitis has the highest incidence in the United States, with about 1 in 5,000 children. Meanwhile, inflammation of the blood vessels in Kawasaki disease occurs in 188 out of 100,000 children in Japan.

In addition, depending on race and type, the incidence rate of disease also varies. For example, Kawasaki disease is more common in patients of Japanese descent and other Asian countries. Meanwhile, Behcet's disease is more common in patients from Turkey, the Middle East, and East Asia.

Some types of vasculitis can be treated if they are detected in the early stages of development. The effectiveness of treatment will be higher if the disease has not caused fatal organ damage.

Until now, treatment to treat this disease is still being refined in order to increase the patient's chances of recovery.

Vasculitis is a condition that can be treated by controlling the existing risk factors. To find out more information about this disease, you can consult a doctor.

Type

What are the types of vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a disease that can be divided into about 20 types. This type of division is carried out based on which part of the blood vessels is affected.

Here are the types:

Largest artery (aorta and main branches)

• Large cell arteritis
• Takayasu's arteritis
• Aortitis in Cogan's syndrome
• Aortitis on spondylarthropathy
• Isolated aortitis

Medium arteries

• Kawasaki disease
• Polyarteritis nodosa

Medium and small arteries

• Rheumatoid vasculitis
• Microscopic polybiitis
• Granulomatosis with polyliitis
• Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyliitis (EGPA / Churg-Strauss)
• Central nervous system angiitis

Small arteries

• Anti-GBM disease
• Cryoglobulinemia
• Vasculitis of small blood vessels of the skin (hypersensitivity)
• IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schonlein purpura)
• Urticarial vasculitis (hypocomplementemic)

Arteries and veins of various sizes

• Behcet's Syndrome
• Cogan's Syndrome

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of vasculitis?

The symptoms of vasculitis depend on what blood vessels and organs are involved in the inflammatory process, as well as the severity of the condition. Some people can have several signs and symptoms. Some other people can experience this condition severely. Generally, common symptoms of vasculitis include:

• Shortness of breath and coughing
• Numbness or weakness in the hands or feet
• Red patches of skin, lumps or soreness
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Pain
• Night sweats
• Rash

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the signs or symptoms above, or you have other questions regarding your symptoms, consult your doctor. Some types of vasculitis can get worse quickly. Therefore, early diagnosis is the key to getting effective treatment.

Each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. In order for you to get the most appropriate treatment and according to your health condition, always have any symptoms checked by your doctor or the nearest health service center.

Cause

What causes vasculitis?

Until now, the main cause of vasculitis is still not known with certainty. Experts believe that this disease is not necessarily caused directly by certain types of infection or toxins.

There are several types of vasculitis that may be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. This infection has the potential to damage the walls of blood vessels, causing inflammation.

In addition, in other conditions, inflammation can also be caused by an allergic reaction due to certain medications or toxins.

However, in systemic vasculitis, the immune system plays an important role in tissue damage. The immune system attacks the blood vessel cells causing bleeding or inflammation of the blood vessels. Possible triggers for these immune system reactions include:

• Infections, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C
• Blood cancer
• Autoimmune system diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma
• Reactions to certain drugs.

Risk factors

What factors increase my risk for vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a disease that can occur in almost anyone, regardless of age group and racial group. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk for developing this disease.

It is important for you to know that having one or more risk factors does not mean that you will definitely suffer from a disease or health condition.

In some cases, it is possible that a person may develop certain diseases or health conditions without any risk factors.

The following are risk factors that can trigger the appearance of vasculitis:

1. Age

Although the average age at diagnosis of this disease varies, it is generally seen in patients under 20 years of age.

2. Gender

This disease is more common in male patients than female.

3. Suffering from chronic hepatitis B or C infection

If you are infected with the hepatitis B or C virus, your risk of developing vasculitis is much higher.

4. Have an autoimmune disease

If you have a disease that affects your immune system, such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, or lupus, your chances of getting this disease are much greater.

Complications

What are the complications caused by vasculitis?

The complications of inflammatory vascular conditions depend on the severity and type. In addition, complications may also occur due to side effects of treatment for this disease.

The following are some of the health problems that may arise:

1. Damage to organs

Some types of inflammation of the blood vessels have a fatal severity. This has the risk of causing malfunctioning of several organs, such as the heart, kidneys or liver.

2. Aneurysms and blood clots

Blood clots can occur in blood vessels, so that blood flow will be obstructed. This condition can cause blood vessels to weaken and swell, which then triggers an aneurysm.

3. Decreased vision

This condition may occur due to large cell arteritis that is not treated promptly. In more severe cases, the patient is at risk of permanent vision loss.

4. Infection

Infections that affect certain organs, such as pneumonia and sepsis (blood infection), pose a life-threatening risk to the sufferer.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is vasculitis diagnosed?

Vasculitis is diagnosed by a combination of blood tests, urine tests, X-rays of blood vessels, laboratory tests, biopsy and imaging tests. Common markers of inflammation in the blood such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and interleukin-6 can be elevated in disease.

The following is an explanation of each test to diagnose this disease.

1. Blood test

This test is performed to confirm inflammation, by detecting elevated levels of C-reactive protein. In addition, your doctor may also advise you to do tests complete blood count (CBC).

Blood tests are also useful for finding the presence of antibodies in the body, such as the anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody test, which is associated with the onset of the disease.

2. Urine test

Urine tests can help the doctor find the presence of certain proteins or the presence of red blood cells, which indicate a problem with the blood vessels.

3. Imaging tests

The doctor will also recommend imaging tests or image taking to find out if any of your organs are affected by this disease. Tests such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, or PET scan can be done, depending on your health condition and needs.

4.X-ray of the blood vessels (angiography)

In this test, your doctor will insert a small catheter through your artery or vein. Then, the doctor will inject a special ink fluid through the catheter. This fluid will be detected by an X-ray machine, so the doctor can see your blood vessels clearly.

How to treat vasculitis?

For most types of vasculitis, treatment focuses on controlling inflammation, addressing the underlying cause, and preventing the disease from recurring.

1. Medicines

People who have severe inflammation of the blood vessels are treated with prescription medications. People with mild blood vessel inflammation can be given pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

Prescription drugs used to treat this disease are corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medications.

2. Operation

Sometimes, vasculitis can lead to complications such as an aneurysm. This condition can only be corrected by surgery. Blocked arteries also usually need to be treated surgically.

Blood tests can also help doctors see the progress or activity of the disease. Every patient is different and treatment must be tailored to your needs.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat vasculitis?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with vasculitis:

• Have a healthy diet that can prevent potential problems caused by medication, such as bone loss, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Choose foods that contain fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean meat and fish. If you are taking corticosteroids, ask your doctor if you need a vitamin D or calcium supplement.
• Routine vaccinations: getting vaccinated on a schedule, such as for flu and pneumonia, can help prevent treatment-induced problems, such as infections.
• Regular exercise, such as walking, can prevent bone loss, high blood pressure and diabetes associated with vasculitis. Exercise is also good for your heart and lungs. In addition, many people feel the benefits of exercise on mood.
• Have strong mental support: if you feel the need to talk to other people with vasculitis, ask the medical team about support groups. As well as share with family and friends about your condition that can help you cope with this condition more easily.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.