|
Raynaud's Syndrome
or Phenomenon
What is Raynaud's
phenomenon?
Raynaud's phenomenon
or, simply, Raynaud's, is a disorder characterized by decreased blood flow -
usually to the fingers, and less frequently to the ears, toes, nipples, knees,
or nose. Vascular spasms usually occur as
attacks in response to cold exposure or emotional upset.
Raynaud's can occur alone or may occur with
other diseases. The diseases most frequently associated with Raynaud's are
autoimmune or connective tissue diseases, among others, such as the
following:
- systemic lupus erythematous (lupus)
- scleroderma
- CREST syndrome (calcium skin deposits, Raynaud's
phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, telangiectasis)
- Buerger's disease
- Sjögren's syndrome
- rheumatoid arthritis
- occlusive vascular disease
- polymyositis
- cryoglobulinemia
What causes Raynaud's
phenomenon?
The exact cause of
Raynaud's is unknown. One theory links blood disorders characterized by
increased platelets or red blood cells that may increase the blood
thickness. Another theory involves the
special receptors in the blood that control the constriction of the blood
vessels are shown to be more sensitive in individuals with Raynaud's.
| What is a risk factor?
A risk factor is anything that may
increase a person’s chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such
as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases have
different risk factors.
Although these factors can increase a
person’s risk, they do not necessarily cause the disease. Some people with one
or more risk factors never develop a disease, while others develop the disease
and have no known risk factors.
But, knowing your risk factors to any
disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing
behaviors and being clinically monitored for the
disease.
|
What are the risk factors for
Raynaud's phenomenon?
There are
certain diseases or lifestyle choices that can increase a person's risk for
developing Raynaud's. These risk factors
include the following:
- existing connective tissue or autoimmune
disease
- cigarette smoking (in men)
- alcohol use (in women)
- Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) - a
spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach, which (along with acid secretion)
damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and peptic ulcers.
What are the symptoms of Raynaud's
phenomenon?
The following are
the most common symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. However, each individual may
experience symptoms differently. Symptoms
may include:
- a pattern of color changes in the fingers as
follows: pale/white followed by blue then
red when the hands are warmed; color changes are usually preceded by exposure to
cold or emotional upset
- hands may become swollen and painful when
warmed
- ulcerations of the finger pads develop (in
severe cases)
- gangrene may develop in the fingers leading to
amputation (in about 10 percent of the severe cases)
How is Raynaud's phenomenon
diagnosed?
There are no specific
laboratory tests that can confirm a diagnosis of Raynaud's phenomenon. Instead, diagnosis is usually based on
reported symptoms. Your physician may perform a cold challenge test to bring out
color changes in the hands.
Treatment for Raynaud's
phenomenon:
Specific treatment
for Raynaud's phenomenon will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- extent of the disease
- your tolerance for specific medications,
procedures, and therapies
- expectation for the course of the disease
- your opinion or preference
Although there is no cure for Raynaud's
phenomenon, the disorder can often be successfully managed with proper
treatment. Treatment may include:
- preventative measures such as wearing gloves or
avoiding cold exposure
- smoking cessation
- wearing finger guards over ulcerated
fingers
- avoiding trauma or vibration to the hand (such
as vibrating tools)
- medications that are usually used to treat high
blood pressure (antihypertensive medications) may be given during the winter
months (to help reduce constriction of the blood vessels)
Individuals who first experience Raynaud's
phenomenon in their 40s should be tested for an underlying disease. Up to 50
percent of individuals who have Raynaud's develop a secondary disorder, usually
a connective tissue disorder.
Page forms part of www.apls.tk, the information site on ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APS or ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME (APLS))
Medical Keywords: systemic antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, Antiphospholipid, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, APS, APLS, Hughes
Syndrome, Sticky Blood, Clotting Disorder, Stroke, TIA, PE, death, Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, Antiphospholipid Syndrome, APS, APLS,
Hughes Syndrome, Sticky Blood, Clotting Disorder, Stroke, TIA, PE, death
|
|
