Vasculitis – Causes and Treatment
The inflammation of the blood vessels of the body causes vasculitis. It damages the walls of the blood vessels. By obstructing blood flow to specific organs and tissues, the inflamed blood vessels could cause severe health complications, and even death.
Depending on the duration of the inflammation, vasculitis can be acute or chronic.
Causes of vasculitis
Vasculitis developing from an underlying infection or disease is known as secondary vasculitis. Vasculitis developing in the absence of any underlying condition is known as primary vasculitis. The exact cause of primary vasculitis is unknown.
Abnormality of the immune system
The inflammation of the blood vessels can occur because of faulty immune response of the body. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid, lupus arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome can produce this condition.
Infection
An underlying infection can cause vasculitis. The hepatitis B and C infections are often associated with vasculitis.
Cancers of the blood cells
Cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma that affects the blood cells could cause vasculitis.
Allergies
The inflammation of the blood vessels could indicate allergic reactions to certain medications or chemicals.
Symptoms of vasculitis
Vasculitis can damage the organs of the body. Chronic vasculitis that recurs even after treatment can lead to serious complications. The exact symptom of vasculitis depends on the blood vessels affected by the condition. The organs that are served by the blood vessels affected by vasculitis could be severely damaged because of reduced blood supply. The common symptoms of vasculitis are fever, muscle ache, joint pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, numbness and weight loss.
Vasculitis treatment
The treatment of vasculitis depends on the severity of the problem and the organs and blood vessels affected by it. Some types of vasculitis such as Henoch-Schonlein purpura could heal naturally. In this type of vasculitis, the blood vessels of the joints, skin, kidneys and bowel become inflamed. Vasculitis could be treated with medications. Treatment for vasculitis includes steroids for reducing the inflammation of the blood vessels.
Vasculitis caused by faulty immune response of the body is treating with drugs that suppress the immune system of the body. Often the vasculitis medications produce serious side effects. To reduce the side effects of the medications, you should modify your diet. Your diet should be designed to prevent osteoporosis, diabetes and high blood pressure.
