What is vasculitis? Is it serious?

Vasculitis is an inflammatory disease caused by an abnormal immune system that may affect blood vessels throughout the body. The severity varies depending on the affected blood vessels and organs. Mild cases are often limited to skin symptoms, while severe cases may endanger important organs such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs. Treatments include medications, lifestyle adjustments, and surgical intervention when necessary.

1 Causes of vasculitis

The exact cause of vasculitis is not yet fully understood and may be related to a variety of factors:

Genetic factors: Some types of vasculitis may run in families, such as Kawasaki disease or Behçet disease.

Environmental factors: External stimuli such as infection with viruses, bacteria, certain medications, chemicals, and even smoking may induce an immune response that causes vascular inflammation.

Physiological factors: Immune dysfunction is the main mechanism of vasculitis. When the immune system mistakenly attacks its own blood vessels, it causes damage to the blood vessel walls and causes an inflammatory response.

Traumatic Induction: Local vascular damage or external pressure may induce arterial or venous inflammation in some cases.

Pathological basis: Vasculitis may be part of certain diseases, such as lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis or certain infections. Depending on the condition, vasculitis can be divided into mild, moderate and severe cases, and the speed of progression also varies depending on the disease.

2 Treatment of vasculitis

Treatment of vasculitis requires an individualized approach based on the specific type and severity of the disease.

Drug treatment: The use of immunosuppressants such as glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, etc. is the core method for treating vasculitis, which can reduce inflammation and inhibit immune response. Some cases may need to be supplemented with biological agents such as anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs.

Treatment of the cause: If infection is the cause, antiviral or antibacterial drugs are needed; certain allergic-induced vasculitis requires immediate discontinuation of related drugs.

Lifestyle adjustments: Eating a low-salt, low-fat diet to reduce cardiovascular burden, quitting smoking and drinking, and increasing intake of high-fiber foods and fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants can also help alleviate the condition.

Surgical treatment: Some vascular injuries caused by severe vascular stenosis or aneurysms require interventional surgery, such as vascular dilation or vascular transplantation.

3 Lifestyle management tips for vasculitis

Control the balance of the immune system: Conduct regular checkups and monitor blood test indicators to ensure the condition is stable.

Physical exercise: Moderate aerobic exercise such as walking and swimming can not only improve cardiopulmonary function, but also prevent vascular sclerosis or stenosis.

Mental health: Vasculitis may be a chronic disease. Patients need to maintain a positive attitude and seek psychological support when necessary to reduce anxiety and stress.

The severity of vasculitis varies from person to person and requires early diagnosis, scientific treatment, and close follow-up. If you experience persistent fever, unexplained rash, joint pain, or other suspected symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention from a regular medical institution in a timely manner.