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Vasculitis

Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. The inflammation causes the walls of the blood vessels to clot, which ultimately lessens the width of the vessel’s passage. If there is a restriction in blood flow, it can result in organ and tissue impairment. 

There are multiple types. Vasculitis may affect one organ or several, and this condition can be short-term or long-lasting.

Types

  • Behcet’s disease
  • Kawasaki disease
  • Buerger’s disease
  • Churg-Strauss syndrome
  • Cryoglobulinemia
  • Giant cell arteritis
  • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
  • Henoch-Schonlein purpura
  • Takayasu’s arteritis

Symptoms

In most types of Vasculitis, common signs and symptoms include:

Vasculitis
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • General aches and Body pains
  • Weight loss

Other symptoms connected to the parts of the body affected include:

  • Digestive system. You may encounter pain after eating. Ulcers and perforations are likely to happen to result in blood in the stool
  • Ringing in the ears, Dizziness, and abrupt hearing loss may occur
  • Your eyes might look red and itch. It can cause double vision and temporary or permanent blindness; this is occasionally the first sign of the disease
  • Hands or feet. Some types can cause numbness in hand or foot—the sole and palm hardens
  • You may develop shortness of breath or cough up blood if it affects your lungs
  • Bleeding under the skin can exhibit red spots. It can also cause lumps or open sores on your skin

Causes

The exact reason for Vasculitis happening has yet to be fully understood. Some types relate to a person’s genetic makeup. Other results might relight to the immune system.

Possible catalysts for this immune system reaction include:

Risk factors

Vasculitis can impact anyone. Depending on your type, you may enhance without treatment.

Factors that may increase the risk of certain disorders include:

  • Age
  • Family history
  • Lifestyle choices
  • Medications
  • Infections
  • Immune disorders
  • Sex

If you have further questions or need personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to take advantage of our online doctor consultation free, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022