Buerger's disease is also called thromboangitis obliterans and it is a rare disease that causes inflammation and blockage of the smaller blood vessels of the limbs. The legs and feet are most commonly affected but this can also be seen in the hands. The condition is most common in smokers age 20-40 and occurs more often in men. This article will provide you with a quick and concise overview of the medical symptoms and ways you can control those symptoms to diminish the discomfort.
Buerger's Disease Symptoms and Cause
Symptoms many include pain or tingling in the hands or feet, and exercise or walking can bring on rapid fatigue, pain, and leg cramps (intermittent claudication). The limbs may feel cold and appear pale, red or bluish. Pain may be increased by exposure to cold, and painful ulcers or gangrene may develop.
The cause is not well understood but is closely linked to cigarette smoking. The disease affects 6 out of every 10,000 people and individuals with this disease are almost always men between the ages of 20 and 40 who have a history of smoking or chewing tobacco.
Buerger's Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Options
The first stage of a diagnosis is made upon observation of the aforementioned symptoms. The person should be evaluated by a physician and the evaluation may include a physical examination and specialized studies of the blood vessels (i.e. ultrasound, arteriogram).
There is currently no cure available for Buerger's disease. To control symptoms:
- Smoking must be avoided as well as exposure to cold and excessive use of the involved limb
- Applying warmth to the affected limbs and light exercise may help improve blood circulation and decrease symptoms.
- A physician may prescribe a vasodilator (to open blocked blood vessels).
- Severe cases may require blockage of the sympathetic nervous system or sympathectomy (severing the sympathetic nerve supply).
If ulceration or gangrene are present, amputation may be necessary.
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