Hemorrhagic vasculitis: we will do without complications

Hemorrhagic vasculitis is quite rare among our population, only 14 cases per one hundred thousand people, but those who suffer from this disease still suffer, statistics can not console. This disease is not at the hearing, so information about it should be sought not on the Internet, but in specialized directories and good textbooks. So, let's begin.

The disease is an inflammation of the blood vessels. Suffer from it the tiniest vessels of the skin and often the kidneys. Clinically, the condition is manifested by a rash (which is most often seen around the buttocks and hamstrings), inflammation of the joints, and occasionally a tightening pain in the abdomen. The spots can usually not just be seen, but also touched. If you press on this spot with a diameter of 3-5 mm, it does not disappear. Eruptions usually come, then disappear, and this happens 2-3 times. They exist on the skin for several days, and then disappear.

Usually, hemorrhagic vasculitis manifests itself in the spring, often after a sore throat or upper respiratory tract. It is an incorrect reaction of the immune system to disease pathogens, which in themselves usually do not cause problems. As a result of the failure of the immune system reaction, blood clotting occurs as a reaction to newly formed cells that have just protected the body from infection. Sometimes the disease occurs as a reaction of the body to certain medicines. Symptoms of hemorrhagic vasculitis are more common in children, although adults sometimes suffer. Men are sick more often than women.

In addition to pain in the abdomen, joints and rashes on the skin, the disease manifests itself as a fever. Most often swollen elbows and knees. If the kidneys are seriously damaged, blood or protein may appear in the urine. But this happens very rarely. Symptoms occur about a month, then go away. The disease returns sometimes, but it is more an exception than the rule.

Diagnosis of the disease by a characteristic pattern on the skin, urine and blood tests. According to the general analysis of blood, it is possible to judge the presence of inflammation, the ESR increases , there are more young leukocytes in the blood , and a special immunological analysis (direct immunofluorescence) will allow a more accurate diagnosis.

Hemorrhagic vasculitis usually proceeds easily, but it can not be ignored, because it can provoke serious damage to the kidneys and intestines. Also, the rash on the lower limbs is usually very noticeable. Treatment is often local, that is, inflammation of the joints is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Sometimes patients need to take medicines from the cortisone group: prednisone and prednisolone, especially with severe abdominal pain or kidney problems. Often, hemorrhagic vasculitis occurs against a background of residual infection, which itself provokes the disease itself. And although it is necessary to suppress immune cells somewhat for effective treatment, this is not done completely, but only give such drugs as mycophenolate mofetil. Also, against the background of the use of immunosuppressive agents, antibiotics should be used to eliminate the residual infection, if any.

Forecast in most cases is excellent. Almost all patients show no complications and the disease does not have a long-term negative effect. Very rarely, after this disease, kidney damage or intestinal obstruction develops. Not always everything is so serious, sometimes the patients simply return within a year after the onset of rash on the skin. In adults, the disease is more severe than in small patients.

Any suspicion of this disease is the reason to consult a therapist. Diet with hemorrhagic vasculitis usually excludes foods that often cause allergies, like chocolate and exotic, unusual foods. If the kidneys or intestines are damaged, then the specific recommendations for nutrition can be developed only by a doctor. Do not self-medicate.