What is Raynaud's Disease?
Posted by Healthfitline
On
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Raynaud's Disease also known as Raynaud's Phenomenon is an intermittent arterial vasospam of the upper and lower extremities, causing cold, pain and color changes. It is not known what causes Raynaud's disease but most people diagnosed with this condition, usually suffer from other immulogical disorders. In some cases, Raynaud's disease may be due to a defect in basal heat production and regulation.
Raynaud's Disease Risk Factors
- Gender - More common in women between the ages of 16 - 40 years.
- Individuals suffering from disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, arterial obstructive diseases or after a trauma.
- People who are very sensitive to cold.
- Stress or emotional problems.
- During cold climates and winters.
- Individuals suffering from autoimmune disorders.
Raynaud's Disease Symptoms
- Blanching of the extremities - Skin become pallor or whitish due to sudden vasoconstriction.
- Bluish discoloration of the skin - due to pooling of the de-oxygenated blood to the affected part.
- Followed by a relieve of the vasospasm. This causes an exeggerated reflow of the blood to the the affected extremities causing redness. This is what is known as Raynaud's phenomenon - changes of color on the affected area from white, blue and finally to red.
Other signs and symptoms are; coldness, pain, numbness and a tingling sensation that occur simultaneously together with color changes.
Raynaud's Disease Treatment and Management
- Patient is advised to avoid situations that may trigger an attack. Such as cold.
- To minimize cold exposure or to stay indoors during cold weather.
- Cold protective clothing should be worn at all times when outside.
- Patient advised to stop smoking or use of nicotine. Cigarettes and nicotine causes vasoconstriction, making the condition even worse.
- Stress management in initiated.
- Patient advised to be cautious while handling sharp objects to avoid injuries.
- Medical management; Calcium channel blockers may be prescribed since it help in promoting vasodilation and relieving symptoms.
- Sympathectomy (removel of the sympathetic ganglia) may be performed.
Raynaud's Disease Possible Complication
Possible complications associated with this condition are; Gangrene or necrosis of the affected part that may eventually lead to amputation but this happens very rarely. With appropriate medical intervention and proper lifesytle medication, Raynaud's Disease is easily managed.
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