Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Treatments

 Vasculitis is one of the uncommon but serious medical conditions that are characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. It can cause significant damages to blood vessels and can result in a variety different symptoms, and even complications.

 

Here's a quick outline to help you comprehend the complexities of this problem, including its symptoms, the types of causes, as well as treatments.

 

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is a medical term that is used to refer to the inflamation of blood vessels. It is an autoimmune disease that affects any area in the vascular system including veins, arteries, and capillaries. It leads to the swelling the blood vessels' walls and and the narrowing of vessels as well as can even hinder blood flow. Vasculitis is frequently described as angiitis, or arteritis.

 

Symptoms of Vasculitis

 

The signs and symptoms of vasculitis can differ significantly depending on the blood vessels affected as well as their location and the level of inflammation. The most frequent symptoms are:

 

Persistent fatigue

Flu-like and fever-like symptoms

Skin conditions, like ulcers, rashes, or red or discoloration of the skin (purpura)

Joint and muscle pain

Neuropathy that causes Numbness, tingling, and weakening in the extremities

Vision changes, for example eye redness, blurred vision and eye discomfort

Issues with the heart and respiratory system like shortness of breath or chest discomfort.

Intestinal symptoms, like diarrhea, abdominal pain and bleeding

Reflux symptoms, like kidney dysfunction and, in extreme cases kidney failure

The involvement of other organs including that of the central nervous system digestive tract, and muscles and skeletal system

 

 

 

Vasculitis types

 

Vasculitis can be classified into a variety of kinds based on a variety of factors, such as the size of blood vessels that are affected and the organs affected as well as the reason. Here are the most common vasculitis types:

 

Large Vessel Vasculitis

 

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)

Most commonly, it affects major arteries and particularly the temporal arteries

The cause of headaches as well as jaw pain, scalp tenderness and vision issues, such as loss of vision.

 

Takayasu Arteritis

It is primarily concerned with the aorta and its principal branches

Could cause in diminished blood flow to different parts of the body.

Symptoms: fatigue, muscle pain, organ damage (severe cases)

 

 

Medium Vessel Vasculitis

 

Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN)

Most commonly affects arteries of medium size.

The condition is defined by an immune system complex in the blood vessels of patients

The symptoms include muscles pain, skin lesions and nerve damage. abdominal pain

 

 

Small Vessel Vasculitis

 

Granulomatosis associated with Polyangiitis (GPA)

Causes the development of sinusitis, lung issues and kidney damage

Other signs: include eye pain, joint inflammation and skin eruptions

 

 

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis and polyangiitis (EGPA)

It is often associated with asthma, vasculitis and allergic rhinitis.

Can impact multiple organ systems

 

 

Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA)

The results in kidney issues or lung issues. Also, skin eruptions

Typically, it is associated with the presence of cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil antibodies (ANCAs)

 

 

 

Other Types of Vasculitis

 

Hypersensitivity vasculitis can be caused by the occurrence of an allergy reaction medicines or infections as well as external triggers

The vasculitis of the immune system is distinguished by that it has immune complexes in the blood vessels which cause inflammation and damages

Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis comprises GPA along with MPA. It is frequently caused by inflammation in the respiratory tract, kidneys and various organs.

Behcet's disease is primarily a problem with blood vessels in different parts within the body. It is recognized for its persistent or genital and oral ulcers as well as eye inflammation.

Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is connected to cryoglobulins in the blood. They are unnatural proteins which can cause an immune complex and inflammation. It can cause problems with joints, skin and other organs.

IgA Vasculitis (Henoch-Schonlein Purpura) typically affects children and young adults. It is described by an itch on the skin (purpura) and joint pain, stomach symptoms, and kidney involvement.

Kawasaki Disease affects small children. This causes a an increase in the size in their small and moderate-sized blood vessels. It can lead to inflammation in coronary blood vessels. It can cause the swelling in lymph nodes (glands) and mucous membranes that line the nose, eyes and mouth.

Buerger's disease is also called thromboangiitis Obliterans results in blockages in blood vessels. It results in which reduces the flow of blood to various parts of the body. It also causes damage to the skin. It is typically first noticed in feet, but can cause problems to the small veins in the legs and arms. Gangrene is the most severe and most traumatic effect.

 

 

 

Vasculitis is caused by a variety of causes.

The most common triggers and factors for vasculitis are:

 

Family family history

Infections like Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

Certain kinds of leukemia.

Hypersensitivity reaction to certain kinds of drugs, which includes certain antibiotics and anti-seizure medicines.

The underlying medical condition include rheumatoidarthritis or Lupus

 

 

 

Treatment for vasculitis

Vasculitis generally requires an all-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals, such as rheumatologists, Pulmonologists, and nephrologists to offer holistic treatment. Below is an overview of the most commonly used treatment options:

 

Corticosteroids, like prednisone

Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate, azathioprine and Cyclophosphamide

Biologic medicines, like tocilizumab and rituximab

Plasma exchange (Plasmapheresis) may be recommended in extreme cases to eliminate harmful immune complexes and antibodies from bloodstream.

Control of cholesterol and blood pressure medicines

The treatment for symptoms may be recommended in the event of multiple organs being affected and needing more treatment

Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet and quitting smoking (especially in the case of Buerger disease)

 

 

The treatment of vasculitis with stem cells

 

Stem cell therapy exploits the immune-modulatory and regeneration capabilities of the stem cell. At Plexus we utilize stem cells to repair or replace damaged blood vessels which in turn reduce inflammation and speed up our body's ability to heal. We make use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) sourced from the body of the patient to alleviate signs and symptoms, as well as avoid any further damage to blood vessels.

 

Therapy with stem cells in Plexus can help patients suffering from vasculitis in the following ways:

 

Regeneration of tissues damaged by injury

Normal blood flow and less inflammation

Immunomodulation

Lower dependence on drugs that suppress the immune system.

 

 

 

Stem cells treatmentis an ingenuous way to tackle the root causes of vasculitis. It can reduce inflammation, and increase living quality of patients. To learn more about our custom Regenerative Rehabilitation of vasculitis contact Team Plexus today.

WhatsApp +91 89048 42087

Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)

 

 

FAQs

What is the most effective method of treating vasculitis?

The stem cell treatment offers an opportunity to regain optimism to those suffering from vasculitis.

 

What type of disease is vasculitis?

It is an extremely serious inflammation.

 

What is the primary reason for vasculitis?

The primary source of vasculitis is not known. However, studies suggest that it may be caused by one or more of the following factors:

Family heritage

Infections

Certain kinds of autoimmune diseases

Drug reactions

Certain kinds of leukemia.

 

Who is most susceptible to vasculitis?

Each type of vasculitis is unique and has its own risks, which include the age of the patient or family history, lifestyle choices (smoking) and medications and other autoimmune diseases.