Vasculitis is a condition of the blood vessels wherein the walls of the blood vessels thicken, and the inflammation caused by it reduces the width of passage for blood flow. If the blood flow is restricted for a prolonged period of time, it can result in tissue and even organ damage. The organs and tissues that may get affected by vasculitis largely depend on the type of the condition; some types of vasculitis may only affect a single organ, whereas others may affect various organs. If you are worried about this, consider getting in touch with a heart specialist in Dubai to discuss the options of treatment based on your specific condition and type.
Types of vasculitis
Vasculitis can affect anyone from any age group. However, the course of treatment and medications will depend on the specific type. So, let’s learn about the various types of vasculitis.
Behcet’s disease
Behcet’s disease mainly affects the mouth, skin, genitals, eyes, joints, blood vessels, digestive system, and brain. It is an autoimmune disease, and the signs and symptoms of Behcet’s disease may reduce or become less severe over time.
Buerger’s disease
Buerger’s disease is a rare disorder that affects the arteries and veins in the upper and lower limbs of an individual. In Buerger’s disease, your arteries and veins can get blocked because of inflammation and blood clots. Prolonged blockage or inflammation can lead to severe infections and damaged skin tissues. Using tobacco and genetic predisposition are the leading causes of this condition.
Churg-Strauss syndrome
This disorder entails severe inflammation of blood vessels that can restrict blood flow to our vital organs and tissues. It can lead to permanent damage to the affected part and can also lead to asthma, hay fever, rash, gastrointestinal bleeding, pain in the hands and feet.
Cryoglobulinemia
Cryoglobulinemia is caused when the abnormal proteins in the blood called cryoglobulins clump together and restrict your blood flow. It mainly affects the kidneys and liver in an individual, and common symptoms include skin lesions, joint pain, and peripheral neuropathy.
Giant cell arteritis
This condition is inflammation of the lining of arteries. It mainly affects the arteries in our temples and head. Giant cell arteritis can cause severe headaches, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and vision problems. If left untreated, it can also cause blindness.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis
It is an uncommon disorder wherein the inflammation in blood vessels happens in the nose, sinuses, throat, lungs, and kidneys You should consult with a heart specialist in Dubai if you have any of the following symptoms- pus-like drainage from the nose, coughing, wheezing, fever, fatigue, joint pain, sudden weight loss, blood in urine, red eyes, inflammation in the ears.
Henoch-Schonlein purpura
We call this condition as IgA vasculitis. And is a disorder of small blood vessels in the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys. In this disorder, the blood vessels become inflamed and bleed, forming a purplish rash on the legs and buttocks. It can also lead to swollen and sore joints.
Kawasaki disease
Kawasaki disease causes inflammation in the walls of arteries in the body. This disease is primarily common in children. The inflammation can affect the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The symptoms usually occur in three phases. And it is essential to treat Kawasaki disease within ten days of it starting to reduce the chances of lasting damage. So, if your child is showcasing any symptoms from phase 1, schedule an appointment with a heart specialist in Dubai.
Takayasu’s arteritis
Takayasu’s arteritis is a very rare form of vasculitis. This form affects the primary artery of our body that carries blood from the heart to other parts of our body. It is imperative to seek medical attention if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, signs of stroke, difficulty in speaking, or face dropping.
Consult a heart specialist
Some of these forms of vasculitis can worsen significantly if left untreated; it is vital that you consult with a heart specialist in Dubai if you are experiencing symptoms of any type of vasculitis. Early diagnosis can be the key to getting an effective treatment.