Buerger's disease is a rare disease of the veins and arteries in which veins and arteries of the limbs get swell. The swollen and inflamed blood vessels of the limbs contain blood clots. Due to the formation of blood clots in blood vessels of the hands and feet this disease is also called thromboangiitis obliterans. In this disease, blood clots formed in the veins and arteries can also block the blood vessels.
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| Buerger's disease |
As a result, Buerger's disease can destroy cells and tissues of the skin leading to infection. If the blood clots move and block the blood vessels of the other body parts then it may lead to gangrene. Gangrene is the death of a part of the body because the blood supply to it has been stopped as a result of the disease. The symptoms of this disease first appear in the limbs and then spread to the other large regions of your limbs.
Buerger's disease is usually found in smokers or those who use tobacco products. The most effective way to stop this disease is to stop smoking and quit other tobacco products. If the person doesn't stop smoking then the surgical removal of the affected part is needed.
Causes
The real cause of this disease is still unknown. But scientists think that smoking and other tobacco products play a key role. Scientists think that chemicals present in tobacco products irritate the endothelium. Irritation of the endothelium causes the blood vessels to swell. Some experts believe that the condition may develop due to genetic inheritance. Some believe that it may be due to an autoimmune response.
Risk factors for Buerger's disease
Smoking or using any tobacco product including chewing and cigar increases the risk. The rates of Buerger's disease are highest where heavy smoking is the most common. These include Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
Symptoms of Buerger's disease
1 Reddish, pale or blue-tinted feet or hands.
2 Numbness or tingling in feet or hands.
3 Raynaud's phenomenon is also seen in this disease. In this phenomenon toes and fingers turn pale on exposure to cold.
4 Painful and itchy sores appear on the toes and fingers.
5 Inflammation of the vein is seen under the skin due to blood clots in the vein.
6 Severe pain will come and go in both cases while moving and in rest condition.
When to consult a doctor.
You must consult a doctor after observing the sign and symptoms of Buerger's disease.
Chronic gum disease
Long-term gum infection has been associated with the progress of Buerger's disease. Though the link between Long-term gum infection and this disease isn't clear yet.
Sex
As compared to women this disease is more common in men. It may be due to the reason for high rates of smoking in men.
Age
Usually, this disease appears in people less than 45 years old.
Complications
In severe cases, blood flow decreases to the arms and legs. As a result, limbs do not get an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen and the affected parts start dying. This particular condition is called gangrene. Symptoms and signs of gangrene include black or blue skin. In severe cases partial or complete loss of sensation in the affected toe or finger and bad smell in the affected region.
Prevention
The best way to get rid of Buerger's disease is to stop smoking and using other tobacco products. Cigar, cigarettes and all other chewable forms of tobacco must not be used. If you smoke or take other forms of tobacco then quitting can be hard for you. Quitting can be tough because of the addictive nicotine present in tobacco. It's never too late to try again. Talk to your doctor about schemes that can help you quit.
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