Vasculitis Diagnosis Symptoms

Vasculitis is a disorder characterized by an inflammation of the blood vessels. This condition can weaken, scar and thicken the walls of the blood vessels. It can either be a chronic condition or a temporary one but either way it can lead to cutting off blood to organs.

Symptoms

• There are 14 different types of vasculitis but the general symptoms remain the same. They include loss of appetite, weight loss, numbness, weakness, fatigue, fever and muscle and joint pain.

Causes

• Vasculitis occurs when an immune disorder, infection or type of cancer causes your body to attack its own blood vessels. Sometimes the exact cause is never known.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of vasculitis is done by checking blood or body fluids for indications of inflammation. A biopsy of skin, sinuses or nerves can also aid in diagnosing the condition.

Treatment

• Vasculitis is generally treated with drugs such as prednisone and cyclophosphamide in order to suppress the immune system that is attacking the vessels and to reduce inflammation.

Prognosis

• Vasculitis is not generally life threatening unless major organs have been affected by inadequate blood supply. Most cases are cured easily with no after-effects for the patient.