Raynaud's Phenomenon & Raynaud's
Disease
Raynaud's Phenomenon is actually
not an autoimmune itself. I provide the information
because it's commonly found in conjunction with most
autoimmunes, even though there are many other causes
of it, too.
Raynaud's Phenomenon is a condition caused by cold
temperatures or strong emotions cause blood vessel
spasms that block blood flow to the fingers, toes,
ears, and nose. When these areas are exposed to cold,
the blood flow through the vessels reduces because
the capillaries and arteries constrict. When these
areas are warmed, the blood flow returns. When the
blood flow is reduced, these areas may turn white,
and then as the blood returns, color returns to these
areas in reddish, purplish and bluish colors.
Not everyone with autoimmune has Raynaud's Phenomenon
just as everyone with Raynaud's Phenomenon doesn't
have an autoimmune. Other causes are smoking, some
medications and other diseases of the arteries.
Raynaud's Disease is the same condition,
has the same symptoms but usually there is no known
cause or reason for it, unlike Raynaud's Phenomenon
where there is usually something causing the condition
to happen.
Both have the same diagnosis and treatment, but prognosis
are very individual depending on the patient.
Symptoms:
Clumsy feeling in hands and fingers
Color changes in feet
Color changes in hands
Fingers change to white, blue or red colors
Pain in the fingers
Throbbing in toes
Diagnosis:
Usually an exam will be done in which the affected
areas will be exposed to the cold and then warmed
back up for the doctor to determine the changes in
the skin/blood flow. An ultrasound can also be used
during the exam to study how the blood vessels react
to the cold.
There are no definitive blood tests that can diagnose
Raynaud's
Treatment:
In most cases no treatment is needed other than keeping
your fingers or other area affected by Raynaud's out
of cold environments. Some keep mittens or gloves
with them, even during the summers as air conditioning
can cause a flair up (I myself keep mittens on hand).
More serious cases can be treated with medication
just as nifedipine that prevent the vessels from constricting.
If you are a smoker, smoking makes Raynaud's worse,
so it is highly recommended that Raynaud's suffers
not smoke.
Prognosis:
Prognosis for most all of the patients is very good
as long as they take care of the areas affected and
take precautions to keep these areas away from temperature
changes. The severity of Raynaud's varies from person
to person, so one person may have it very severe and
may have a poorer outlook than someone with a mild
case.
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