Blood vessel damage and inflammation is generally known as vasculitis, or angiitis, a condition that causes the walls of the blood vessels to narrow, thicken, weaken or scar. There are several different types of vasculitis, as each time vasculitis affects a body area or organ, the condition is given a new name.
For example, Behcet's syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving the small blood vessels that causes sores in the epithelial tissue of the mouth and genitals, while Churg-Strauss syndrome is a type of vasculitis that affects blood vessels in the lungs, skin, nerves and abdomen.
Vasculitis Causes
The exact cause of primary vasculitis is unknown, however the causes of vasculitis as a secondary condition, or condition that is a symptom of another illness, are known.
Secondary vasculitis is caused by infections, such as hepatitis B or C, autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, cancer affecting blood cells, including leukemia or lymphoma, as well as an allergic reaction to medication.
Vasculitis Symptoms
Although the symptoms of vasculitis vary depending on which of the 14 types you develop, some general vasculitis symptoms include the following:
- Fever
- Pain in joints or muscles
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue
- Numbness or weakness
Vasculitis Treatment
Vasculitis may be treated with corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone in the short term, however for long-term treatment, the following non-steroid medications may be more appropriate: Cytoxan, which contains cyclophosphamide, and Imuran, which contains azathioprine.
Additional treatments for vasculitis may be recommended depending on which body areas or organs are affected, so proper diagnosis is important.
Would you like to learn more about Vasculitis Treatment? Call 212-772-7242 to schedule a consultation at Sadick Dermatology.
