What causes Raynaud's Disease?
In most cases there is no known cause of Raynaud's (more than 9 in 10 cases).The small blood vessels in the fingers, toes, etc, just appear to be more sensitive than normal to cool temperatures. There is no other underlying disease. Symptoms are triggered more easily in some people than in others. Even mildly cool weather, or getting something out of the freezer, can trigger symptoms in some people. Strong emotion may also trigger symptoms.
Usually, all fingers on both hands are affected in Raynaud's disease. It also tends to run in some families as well. Women are affected much more often than men. It usually first develops before the age of 30. There are no other symptoms apart from those described above.
Usually, all fingers on both hands are affected in Raynaud's disease. It also tends to run in some families as well. Women are affected much more often than men. It usually first develops before the age of 30. There are no other symptoms apart from those described above.
Clinical Manifestations:
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Fingers become pale (white) and cool, then go a bluish colour (or even purple or black in severe cases) the fingers then go bright red.
Tingling, throbbing, numbness and pain (which can be severe in some cases).
Prickly feeling or stinging pain upon warming or relief of stress.
Sense of touch is dulled.
Fingers become pale (white) and cool, then go a bluish colour (or even purple or black in severe cases) the fingers then go bright red.
Tingling, throbbing, numbness and pain (which can be severe in some cases).
Prickly feeling or stinging pain upon warming or relief of stress.
Sense of touch is dulled.
- Your gender. Primary Raynaud's affects women more than men.
- Your age. Although anyone can develop the condition,
primary Raynaud's often begins between the ages of 15 and 30. - Where you live. The disorder is also more common in people
who live in colder climates. - Your family history. Additionally, a family history appears
to increase your risk of primary Raynaud's. About one-third of people with
primary Raynaud's have a first-degree relative — a parent, sibling or child —
with the disorder.
Tests and diagnosis:
To diagnose Raynaud's, your doctor will ask detailed questions about your
symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical examination. Your doctor may
also run tests to rule out other medical problems that may cause similar signs
and symptoms, such as a pinched nerve.
There's no single blood test to diagnose Raynaud's. Your doctor may order
other tests, such as those that rule out diseases of the arteries, to help
pinpoint a disease or condition that may be associated with Raynaud's.
Medications:
Calcium channel blockers. These drugs relax and open up
small blood vessels in your hands and feet. They decrease the frequency and
severity of attacks in most people with Raynaud's. These drugs can also help
heal skin ulcers on your fingers or toes.
Alpha blockers. Some people find relief with drugs called
alpha blockers, which counteract the actions of norepinephrine, a hormone that
constricts blood vessels.
Vasodilators. Some doctors prescribe a vasodilator — a drug
that relaxes blood vessels — such as nitroglycerin cream to your fingers to help
heal skin ulcers. Your doctor may also prescribe vasodilator drugs that are
commonly used to treat other conditions, but may effectively relieve the
symptoms of Raynaud's.
You and your doctor may find that one drug works better for you than another.
Some drugs used to treat Raynaud's have side effects that may require you to
stop taking the medication. A drug may also lose effectiveness over time. Work
with your doctor to find what works best for you.
Definition:
Buerger's disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the small and medium sized blood vessels in legs and arms,
particularly those in the hands and feet. It is usually arteries that are affected but it can sometimes affect veins. There is
inflammation of sections (segments) of the blood vessels. This inflammation is called vasculitis and it causes narrowing of the blood vessels.
It can also cause the formation of small blood clots which can lead to complete blockage of the blood vessels. Because of the narrowed and blocked segments of the blood vessels, blood cannot pass as it normally does through to all parts of the hands and feet. This causes pain and other symptoms and may eventually lead to damage and death of the tissues in hands and/or feet.
Buerger's disease is a condition that causes inflammation of the small and medium sized blood vessels in legs and arms,
particularly those in the hands and feet. It is usually arteries that are affected but it can sometimes affect veins. There is
inflammation of sections (segments) of the blood vessels. This inflammation is called vasculitis and it causes narrowing of the blood vessels.
It can also cause the formation of small blood clots which can lead to complete blockage of the blood vessels. Because of the narrowed and blocked segments of the blood vessels, blood cannot pass as it normally does through to all parts of the hands and feet. This causes pain and other symptoms and may eventually lead to damage and death of the tissues in hands and/or feet.
What Causes Buergers Disease?
The exact cause is not known. However, what is known is that the disease occurs in smokers. Smoking acts as some kind of a trigger and causes Buerger's disease to start. Continued smoking also causes the disease to get worse. It is thought that the immune system is involved in the development of Buerger's disease in some way.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pain is the outstanding symptom. Cramps in the feet, particularly the arches, after
exercise (claudication). Pain is relieved by rest.
Burning pain brought on by emotional stress, nicotine, or chilling; and a feeling of
coldness or sensitivity to cold.
Tingling or numbness in the feet and hands.
Color changes of the feet progress to cyanosis.
Eventually ulceration and gangrene occur.
Treatment Options for Buerger’s disease:
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for Buerger’s disease. However, the
symptoms of this condition can be treated and controlled through increasing
your circulation, quitting use of tobacco products, avoiding cold weather, and,
in some cases, having the affected nerves cut. The nerves are cut to eliminate
pain, and this is done through a surgical procedure (Sympathectomy).
You can increase your circulation by drinking plenty of fluids and staying
active.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for Buerger’s disease. However, the
symptoms of this condition can be treated and controlled through increasing
your circulation, quitting use of tobacco products, avoiding cold weather, and,
in some cases, having the affected nerves cut. The nerves are cut to eliminate
pain, and this is done through a surgical procedure (Sympathectomy).
You can increase your circulation by drinking plenty of fluids and staying
active.