Vasculitis is a rare condition involving inflammation of blood vessels. It affects organs and tissues throughout the body.
What Is Vasculitis and How Does It Affect the Body?
Vasculitis involves the swelling and thickening of blood vessels—arteries, veins, and capillaries.
This inflammation can result in decreased blood flow, potentially causing organ damage or complications like aneurysms.
It may affect various parts of the body, such as the skin, lungs, heart, kidneys, brain, and nerves.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Vasculitis?
Symptoms vary depending on the blood vessels and organs affected.
General signs include:
- Trouble breathing or coughing.
- Skin rashes, discoloration, or bumps.
- Fever, fatigue, or weight loss.
- Tingling or numbness in extremities.
- Stomach pain, kidney issues (e.g., dark or bloody urine), and joint pain.
Seek immediate medical help if you experience severe symptoms like breathing difficulty or heart attack signs.
What Causes Vasculitis?
Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks blood vessels.
Triggers include
- Infections
- Autoimmune disorders
- Medications
- Cancer
In many cases, the cause remains not known (idiopathic).
While vasculitis is rare, it primarily affects individuals over 50, with fewer than 50 out of every million people diagnosed annually in the U.S.
How Is Vasculitis Diagnosed and Treated?
Doctors confirm vasculitis using tests like blood work, biopsies, and angiograms alongside physical exams. A rheumatologist often leads the diagnosis and treatment process.
Treatment focuses on symptom management and may involve:
- Medications: like immunosuppressants
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may repair damaged blood vessels.
Although there’s no cure, effective treatment can lead to remission, with long symptom-free periods.
How Can I Manage Vasculitis Long-Term?
While prevention isn’t possible, early diagnosis and consistent care improve outcomes. Monitor your symptoms, follow prescribed treatments, and attend regular follow-up appointments. Seek immediate care for sudden vision loss, difficulty breathing, or other severe symptoms.
Take Control of Vasculitis
Managing vasculitis requires a proactive approach. Stay informed, follow your treatment plan, and work closely with your healthcare provider to maintain the best possible quality of life.
