Leading the Way in Vasculitis Care
Vasculitis often starts quietly — subtle fatigue, unexplained rashes, or joint pain. Left unchecked, it can inflame your small blood vessels and cause serious complications in organs like your kidneys and lungs.
At Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates (ARBDA), we have dedicated ourselves to providing compassionate care alongside unparalleled expertise for patients with vasculitis. With over five decades of experience, our team of rheumatologists leverages advanced diagnostic tests and cutting-edge treatments to help you find relief from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases like vasculitis.
We work closely with each patient to understand the extent of their symptoms and determine the best course of treatment for their unique form of the disease. Our mission is to stop vasculitis in its tracks and put you back in control of your health.
Understanding Vasculitis: Causes and Risk Factors
Vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that targets the blood vessels. It causes inflammation that thickens, weakens, narrows, and scars the walls of the blood vessels. This results in reduced blood flow, which can lead to organ and tissue damage.
The exact cause of vasculitis is not fully understood, but it may result from autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), infections, blood cancers, or even allergic reactions to certain medications.
There are several types of vasculitis, and they may vary greatly in terms of causes, affected blood vessels, and severity. For example, both small blood vessels and medium-sized blood vessels can be affected — but each case is different and requires precise diagnostic tests to diagnose and treat.
Common Vasculitis Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of vasculitis is vital for early diagnosis and treatment. Symptoms vary widely depending on the type of vasculitis and which blood vessels are affected. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- Fatigue and Fever: A persistent sense of tiredness often accompanies inflammation.
- Skin Rashes or Sores: These may indicate tissue damage in smaller vessels.
- Kidney Damage: Symptoms like blood in the urine can point to issues with filtering waste.
- Nerve Pain or Weakness: Tingling, numbness, or pain often occurs when vasculitis affects the brain and nervous system.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: A hallmark sign of systemic inflammation.
- Anemia: A frequent complication in patients with vasculitis, signified by a decrease in red blood cells, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and paleness.
- Joint Pain or Swelling: Often related to underlying autoimmune conditions like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
It is imperative that you see an ARBDA doctor right away to discuss symptoms of vasculitis that you may be experiencing, as they could compromise other areas of the body. Identifying the symptoms of vasculitis will allow our doctors to devise a proper treatment plan to minimize the effects this disease has on your arms, legs, and overall health.
Vasculitis Diagnosis at ARBDA
Diagnosing vasculitis is a sophisticated process where cutting-edge technology meets clinical expertise. An ARBDA doctor will start by getting your medical history and conducting a thorough physical exam. Then, we use a combination of blood tests, urine tests, biopsies, and state-of-the-art imaging like computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to view the condition of your blood vessels in vivid detail and provide an accurate assessment.
Our vasculitis doctors prioritize your involvement by explaining each step of the process and addressing any concerns along the way. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to preventing serious complications and preserving your health.
Who Treats Vasculitis?
Vasculitis requires the expertise of a rheumatologist specializing in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. At ARBDA, our board-certified doctors bring decades of experience to the table, providing personalized care to diagnose and manage your vasculitis.
Vasculitis Treatment Options
Treatment has to be tailored to the specific type of vasculitis, its severity, and the organs affected. If you are diagnosed with vasculitis, a proper treatment plan will focus on controlling the inflammation of the affected blood vessels and preventing serious complications.
Depending on your diagnosis, therapies may include corticosteroids to reduce swelling or immunosuppressants to calm the immune system. For specific types, like Takayasu’s arteritis, biologic agents may provide targeted relief.
Your treatment plan may also involve lifestyle adjustments to maintain vascular health and avoid triggers. Regular monitoring through tests and procedures ensures your progress and allows adjustments to your care as necessary.
Your Partners in Vasculitis Management and More
ARBDA’s commitment to vasculitis care goes beyond diagnosis and treatment options. We build relationships with our patients and offer ongoing support to improve your quality of life while minimizing the challenges of living with vasculitis.
Our practice doesn’t just treat vasculitis; we address a spectrum of autoimmune diseases and related conditions. If you’re struggling to manage chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, gout, and more, trust ARBDA to be your partner in health.