Vasculitis
Understanding Vasculitis
When blood vessels become inflamed.
What is Vasculitis?
Vasculitis is a group of rare autoimmune disorders that cause inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation can make vessels weak, thickened, or narrowed, leading to reduced blood supply to organs and tissues.
Types of Vasculitis (by vessel size)
- Large vessel vasculitis: e.g., Giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis
- Medium vessel vasculitis: e.g., Polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki disease
- Small vessel vasculitis: e.g., ANCA-associated vasculitis, Henoch–Schönlein purpura
Common Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the organs involved, but may include:
- General: Fever, weight loss, fatigue
- Skin: Purpura (red spots), ulcers, nodules
- Joints: Pain and swelling
- Nerves: Tingling, numbness, weakness
- Kidneys: Blood in urine, high blood pressure
- Lungs: Cough, breathlessness, coughing blood
- Eyes: Redness, vision problems
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
- Vasculitis can damage vital organs (kidneys, lungs, brain, heart)
- Untreated, it may become life-threatening
- With timely treatment (steroids, immunosuppressants, biologics), disease control and remission are possible
Management
- Regular follow-up with a rheumatologist
- Medications to control inflammation and prevent relapses
- Monitoring for complications (organ function, infections, medication side effects)
- Healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, vaccinations, exercise as tolerated
Key Takeaway
Vasculitis is rare but serious.
Don’t ignore persistent unexplained symptoms like rash, nerve pain, blood in urine, or breathlessness.
Early recognition and treatment can save organs and lives.