Behcet’s disease is a common chronic inflammatory disease. Symptoms, causes, and treatment options are discussed here. Prevention is also discussed. There are some treatment options that can help prevent the disease from getting worse. If you suspect you might have Behcet’s disease, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms
A person with Behcet’s disease may experience various symptoms. These include inflammation in various parts of the body, such as the brain, eyes, and genitals. Because this disorder affects so many parts of the body, it may require treatment from a variety of health professionals. In some cases, the disease can lead to serious complications, such as a stroke or blocked blood vessels. Fortunately, the disease is usually treatable with the right medication.
Although there is no clear cause for Behcet’s disease, some people have a genetic predisposition to it. While the HLA-B51 gene has been associated with the disease in approximately 5% of people, other factors may play a role. Because there is no specific lab test for the condition, healthcare providers rely on signs and symptoms to diagnose the disease.
The first symptom of Behcet’s disease is the development of aphthous ulcers. These are similar to canker sores, but are more frequent and painful. The ulcers may occur on the lips, the inside of the cheek, or on the tongue.
Behcet’s disease can affect the joints and the blood vessels. The condition can cause blood clots in the legs and arms. It can also affect the digestive system. Patients with Behcet’s disease may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding. These symptoms can last from one to three weeks and may go away on their own.
There are various treatments for the disease. Corticosteroids, a class of drugs that suppress the immune system, may help reduce the inflammation caused by Behcet’s disease. The main goal of treatment is to control the inflammation and alleviate pain. However, corticosteroids are known to have harmful side effects, including weight gain, heartburn, high blood pressure, and bone thinning.
In the majority of cases, Behcet’s disease is caused by an autoimmune process that affects the blood vessels. It is rare in the United States, but is more common in Asia and the Middle East. The disease is most often diagnosed in people in their early twenties, but it can happen at any age. People from the Mediterranean and Far East are at higher risk for developing Behcet’s disease.
Causes
Behcet’s disease is an autoimmune disorder involving the blood vessels. The body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the blood vessels, resulting in sores that can be painful and sometimes esoteric. While the disease can affect anyone, it is most common among adults in their 20s and 30s. It can also affect the spinal cord. Inflammation of the blood vessels can lead to severe complications including the development of arthritis.
People with an abnormal immune system are especially susceptible to Behcet’s disease. In some cases, a virus or bacterium in the environment triggers the disease. For example, people with recurring strep infections are at higher risk for the condition. People with Behcet’s disease may have sores in the mouth, sores in the eye, inflammation of the digestive and central nervous systems, and other symptoms.
Despite the fact that there is no definitive test for Behcet’s disease, experts believe it is caused by an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. In addition, genetic factors are thought to play a role in the development of the condition. Among these, the HLA-B*51 gene variant is associated with the development of Behcet’s disease.
Although there is no cure for Behcet’s disease, it is treated with medicines that relieve the symptoms. Treatments depend on the severity of the symptoms. Medications such as colchicine are used to reduce the frequency of oral and genital ulcers. In addition, anti-TNF-alpha drugs are used to inhibit the TNF-alpha protein, which is involved in inflammation and the immune response.
The symptoms of Behcet’s disease often appear over several months or years, making it difficult to determine the precise cause. However, medical practitioners can perform a pathergy test, which involves inserting a sterile needle into a patient’s forearm. If the patient’s immune system is overactive, a small red bump or pustule will appear. This is a symptom of the disease and can help doctors confirm the diagnosis.
Behcet’s disease usually starts when the body’s immune system reacts to an infection. In some cases, a bacterium or virus triggers the disease. While it usually strikes young adults, it can affect children and older people. Men are more likely to develop the disease than women. Some researchers believe ethnicity plays a role, with people from the Middle East and Western countries being at an increased risk.
Treatments
Treatments for Behcet’s disease focus on reducing inflammation and protecting organs from damage. The exact course of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the organs involved. Biological therapies such as immunosuppressants and corticosteroids are often prescribed to decrease inflammation. However, these drugs can cause side effects such as persistent heartburn, weight gain, and bone thinning.
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines that are used to treat Behcet’s disease. They are taken in the form of injections or topical medications. Depending on the dosage and the form, corticosteroids can have severe side effects. Topical corticosteroids are often safe, but long-term use may lead to thinning of the skin. In addition, corticosteroids that are taken orally can cause serious side effects.
Behcet’s disease can affect the eyes, intestines, and central nervous system. The most serious manifestation of this disease involves the brain, and can cause severe headaches, confusion, and even dementia. The disease can also affect the protective layers surrounding the brain, leading to meningitis.
While the disease is difficult to treat, there are new treatments available. Many patients are able to live a normal, active life. The severity of their symptoms will fluctuate depending on the severity of their condition, but medicines can control the symptoms and prevent flare-ups. The best treatment for Behcet’s disease is to monitor the symptoms closely and seek medical advice.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Behcet’s disease, your physician will likely prescribe medication for you. In some cases, the condition is so severe that a surgical procedure may be necessary to relieve the swelling. However, this can be dangerous and require emergency surgery. Moreover, if your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug that can reduce the risk of bleeding and clots blocking the blood flow.
Another type of medication for Behcet’s disease involves the use of immunosuppressive drugs. These drugs suppress the immune system, which is responsible for overreacting to various triggers. They can be used topically on mouth sores or systemically to treat the disease. Infliximab, betamethasone, and etanercept are all examples of immunosuppressive medications. These drugs may also be used in combination with other medications.
Prevention
The prevention of Behcet’s disease is important, as the disease tends to be more common in men than in women. Studies suggest that the disease is more prevalent in eastern Mediterranean regions. Some preventative measures for Behcet’s disease include avoiding tobacco smoke and avoiding stress.
