Behçet's disease, also known asBehçet's syndrome , is an uncommon chronic disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels in different parts of the body. It can develop when the body becomes inflamed and infected due to a defect in the immune system. It was named after Hulusi Behçet, a Turkish scientist who first recognized the disease in one of his patients and identified its three main symptoms.
Although the disease is characterized by recurrent ulcers, eye and skin problems, it can also cause problems in the heart and blood vessels, digestive system, lungs, joints, kidneys and nervous system.
What Causes Behçet's Disease?
The cause of the disease is not known for certain. It is usually attributed to genetic and environmental factors that are common in places such as the Middle East and Asia. It is thought that the cause of the disease is a problem with the immune system, which shows a result against infection and some symptoms appear.
This type of disease occurs when the immune system unintentionally attacks its own cells. The symptoms are often thought to be caused by infection of the blood vessels. This can be seen in arteries and veins and can damage the vessels in the body.
Research has identified the presence of genes linked to the disease. Another study suggests that in carriers of susceptible genes, the triggering of these genes by viruses or bacteria can cause this disease.
It mostly affects men and women in their 20s or 30s, although it can also affect children and older people. The disease progresses more severely in men than in women.
What are the Symptoms of Behçet's Disease?
In the early stages of the disease, a number of different symptoms unrelated to the subject can be seen. Symptoms differ from person to person and may increase in severity over time.
Symptoms and signs of the disease may differ depending on which part of the body is affected. These symptoms include sores in the mouth, inflammation in the eyes, skin rashes and sores. The effects of the disease in the later stages may vary according to the symptoms and signs.
Among the areas frequently affected by the disease, the mouth area comes first. The most common symptom is painful mouth sores reminiscent of cancer sores in and around the mouth. Small bumps that cause pain turn into painful ulcers. While the sores can heal within 2-3 weeks, these symptoms often recur.
Some people with the disease may develop acne-like sores on their bodies. Other people develop rashes, raised and tender nodules and tissue growths on the legs and skin. Open sores can occur on the reproductive organs, which are often painful and may leave scars after healing.
People with the disease may get infections or inflammation in their eyes. This can cause redness, pain and blurred vision in both eyes. People who experience these symptoms in the eye should see a doctor immediately.
While some people may experience joint pain, it mostly affects the knees. In some individuals, ankles, elbows or wrists are affected. Symptoms can last for 2 or 3 weeks and usually resolve spontaneously.
Inflammation that develops as blood clots form in the vein can cause redness, pain and swelling in the arm or leg. This disease, which has an effect on the digestive system, can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and bleeding and these symptoms can be seen.
Inflammation of the brain and nervous system can cause fever, headache, dizziness, loss of balance or paralysis.
In addition to these, symptoms that can be seen in different and usual situations should be shared with a doctor. In addition, with the symptoms given above, the person should definitely see a specialist doctor and be examined.
How is Behçet's Disease Diagnosed?
There is no special test to determine the disease. For this reason, the diagnosis of the disease is based on the physical examinations performed by the doctor and the symptoms and findings.
Since most people develop mouth sores, in order to diagnose the disease, the person must have recurrent sores at least three times within 1 year. In addition, two conditions are required for diagnosis. One of these is recurrent open sores on the genitals, inflammation of the eye and skin sores. In these cases, blood tests rule out the possibility of a different medical condition.
One of the diagnostic tests is the pathergy test. This test is performed by the doctor by placing a needle under the skin and the area is examined. As a result of the examinations, a reaction in the immune system is seen with the formation of a reddish lump.
Treatment of Behçet's Disease
Since the treatment of the disease differs from person to person, it may differ depending on the complaints and complaints. In treatment methods, there may be some differences in the individual's life, as well as some medications that need to be used for long periods.
Especially in medication treatment, it may differ depending on the area and the degree of the disease. It mostly manifests itself as aphthae in the mouth. While this may cause some negativity in the individual's life, cortisone sprays or solutions may be recommended.
Ulcers that can occur in the genital area can also be similar to aphthae. Cortisone-containing creams or solutions may also be recommended for this area. Some painkillers may also be recommended by the specialist against pain in the leg area.
Individuals with this condition should definitely have regular check-ups and be followed up. If the treatment of the disease is delayed and not followed up, it may cause serious consequences, one of which may be blindness.
All medicines and methods to be recommended during the treatment process can only be determined by the physician. Any medication and method other than the doctor's recommendation should not be applied.