Buerger's disease is a rare disease that develops in the arteries and veins in the arms and legs. It is a type of peripheral arterial disease that develops due to smoking and is usually seen in men. As a result of the development of the disease, the infection affects the blood circulation and causes blockage of the vessels. Early diagnosis is important in the treatment process and increases the cure rate. Lack of treatment and continued smoking may cause the infection to spread and the person may experience limb loss in the future.
In medicine, it is also called thromboangiitis obliterans and is also known colloquially as pruning disease. If the disease develops, inflammation, swelling and blood clots in the blood vessels can lead to vascular blockages. In progressive cases, serious complications can occur, damage to skin tissues can occur and this can progress to gangrene. The disease, which first occurs in the hands and feet, can then spread to the arms, legs and different large areas.
What are the symptoms of Buerger's disease?
Symptoms are usually the same in most cases. Often the first symptom is pain that progresses from the hands and feet to the arms and legs. Initially mild pain may become severe as the disease progresses. While the pain may cause the person to limp while walking, it may intensify even more during rest.
The pain can become unbearable in stressful situations or when there is a chill. In addition, some changes occur in the hands and feet. Common Buerger's disease symptoms are as follows:
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Pale, reddish or blue appearance of the skin
- Thinning and brightening of the skin
- Thinning or loss of hair
- Pale hands and feet after exposure to cold
- Painful and open wounds on hands and feet
What are the Causes of Buerger's Disease?
Although the causes of Buerger's disease are not completely clear, it is known that the disease is triggered by tobacco and smoking. However, it is not scientifically known which complications of tobacco cause it.
One of the most common ideas and opinions is that the chemicals in tobacco cause damage to the inner surface of the blood vessels, resulting in infection and blood clotting.
One of the medical explanations is that the disease may be caused by genetic factors. There is also a common view that it is caused by the immune system attacking its own cells and autoimmune reactions.
In addition to tobacco use, different forms of tobacco and passive smoking can also trigger the disease. People who smoke more than half a pack of cigarettes a day are at higher risk of developing the disease. It is much more common in men than in women. The reason for this is that men smoke more than women.
How is Buerger's Disease Diagnosed?
There is no test that can detect Buerger's disease on its own. However, since the disease develops especially in smokers, it is important in the diagnostic process whether the patient smokes and for how long.
Forthe diagnosis of Buerger's disease , the patient's medical history is first learned in detail and a physical examination is performed by the doctor. During the examination, the pale appearance, coldness and pulse in the hands and feet are important findings in determining the disease.
In addition, since smokers may have other conditions similar to this disease, the doctor may request some tests to rule out other diseases. One of the most preferred tests in such cases is blood tests. Blood tests monitor the levels of certain substances in the blood and exclude other diseases with similar symptoms.
In addition to blood tests, a series of tests called the "Allen Test" can be performed to control blood flow. In this procedure, the patient clenches his/her fist and pressure is applied to the blood vessels in the hands that provide blood flow. The patient then opens his/her fist and the pressure on the veins is removed. The time it takes for the hand color to return to normal helps to diagnose this disease.
The specialist may use some imaging techniques to observe the condition of the arteries. Imaging techniques such as angiography, MRI or CT scan are useful for examining the arteries and identifying any abnormalities.
These tests are useful in diagnosing the disease in its early stages. The disease diagnosed in the early stages is more likely to be cured.
What are the Treatment Methods for Buerger's Disease?
Although there is no definitive method that will provide one hundred percent treatment of the disease, early diagnosis of this disease, quitting and avoiding smoking, tobacco and similar forms stops the progression of the disease. Even smoking a few cigarettes a day causes this disease to progress. Therefore, it is necessary to stop smoking and stay away from smoking environments.
Research has shown that almost all people with this disease use tobacco products. For this reason, the most important point to prevent or treat the disease is to stop using tobacco products. If treatment is delayed and smoking is continued, the infection may increase and spread. In this case, it may be necessary to remove all or part of a limb (amputation). This is one of the treatment methods.
There are also different approaches to the treatment of Buerger's disease. However, while these approaches are less effective than quitting smoking, they can be listed as follows:
- Some medications to dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow and eliminate blood clots
- Intermittent compression of the arms and legs to increase blood flow
- Amputation in cases of infection or gangrene
Without amputation, the pain can become unbearable and the infection can spread to other areas. This can lead to greater limb loss in the future. The best measure to stop the progression of the disease and eliminate the risk of its occurrence is to stop the use of tobacco forms. Smokers are at great risk.
If symptoms of the disease appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and seek treatment. The cure rate is higher if the disease is diagnosed early.