What is vasculitis?
Vasculitis is inflammation that occurs when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks blood vessel tissues. It can affect capillaries, veins, or arteries that carry blood through your body and increase your risk of an aneurysm or other serious medical problems. That’s why seeking treatment with specialists at Rheumatology Solutions is important.
What are the symptoms of vasculitis?
Symptoms you experience with vasculitis depend on the severity of your condition and can include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Rash
- Aches and pains
- Nerve problems
- Numbness or weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Cough, with blood in the sputum
Complications associated with untreated vasculitis are blood clots, aneurysms, organ damage, vision loss, and serious or life-threatening infections. That’s why seeing your rheumatologist at the first sign of vasculitis is crucial.
What are the risk factors for vasculitis?
Vasculitis can happen to anyone, but certain factors increase your risk of experiencing it. Risks include smoking or having rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, or chronic hepatitis C or B. If you have new or unusual symptoms or are at risk of developing vasculitis, see the experts at Rheumatology Solutions for an evaluation.
How is vasculitis diagnosed?
To diagnose vasculitis and develop a treatment plan, your rheumatologist asks about your symptoms and reviews your medical history. They complete a physical exam and might recommend urine tests, blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans, other imaging procedures, or a biopsy.
How is vasculitis treated?
Your personalized vasculitis treatment plan depends on the severity of your condition. Your rheumatologist might recommend:
Lifestyle changes
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can diminish symptoms and your risk of complications. Eat a healthy diet, exercise most days of the week, and stay up-to-date with vaccinations.
Medications
Taking prescription medications, such as methylprednisolone or prednisone, helps control inflammation. However, these medicines are associated with side effects. Your doctor might recommend steroid-sparing drugs or biological therapies. They tailor each medication regimen to your specific needs and monitor your health regularly.
Surgical procedures
If you have an aneurysm or blocked artery associated with vasculitis, your rheumatologist might recommend a surgical procedure to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
Don’t let vasculitis go undetected and untreated, putting you at risk of serious medical problems. Schedule an appointment with the experts at Rheumatology Solutions by phone or request an appointment online today.