What is vasculitis and what are its symptoms?

Oct 08, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Feng

Introduction

In general, vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that may present symptoms such as fever, skin lesions, joint pain, neurological damage, and kidney injury. In daily life, patients with vasculitis can moderately consume fresh vegetables and fruits, such as apples, pears, and cabbage. They should also ensure adequate sleep, avoid staying up late and overexertion, to prevent discomfort.

Generally, vasculitis is an autoimmune disease that may present symptoms such as fever, skin lesions, joint pain, neurological damage, and kidney injury. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The following is a detailed explanation:

1. What is the disease?

Vasculitis involves inflammatory cell infiltration in the blood vessel walls and surrounding tissues, often accompanied by fibrin deposition, collagen fiber degeneration, and necrosis of endothelial and muscle cells. It is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and damage to blood vessel walls.

2. Symptoms

2.1 Fever
Due to abnormal activation of the immune system and inflammatory responses, patients with vasculitis commonly experience fever.

2.2 Skin Lesions
Some patients develop noticeable skin manifestations, including erythema, nodules, purpura, urticaria, blisters, papules, necrosis, and ulcers.

2.3 Joint Pain
Joint pain is common in vasculitis, likely caused by inflammation leading to hyperemia, edema, and exudation of the synovial membrane. Multiple joints may be affected, presenting with swelling, tenderness, and restricted movement.

2.4 Neurological Damage
When vasculitis affects blood vessels supplying the brain, optic nerves, or other parts of the nervous system, it can lead to symptoms such as headache, numbness, vision problems, and cognitive impairment.

2.5 Kidney Damage
Damage to the glomerular blood vessels due to vasculitis may result in hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, and decreased kidney function.

In daily life, patients with vasculitis are advised to consume fresh vegetables and fruits such as apples, pears, and cabbage in moderation. They should also ensure adequate sleep and avoid staying up late or overexertion to prevent symptom exacerbation.

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What are the common types of small vessel vasculitis?

Common small-vessel vasculitides include microscopic polyangiitis, Wegener's granulomatosis (granulomatosis with polyangiitis), eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome), Henoch-Schönlein purpura, and isolated central nervous system vasculitis. These are systemic necrotizing vasculitides that primarily affect small blood vessels. Typical manifestations include fatigue, fever, and weight loss, and they may involve multiple organs such as the kidneys and lungs, leading to corresponding organ dysfunction.

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Can patients with vasculitis take lingzhi (Ganoderma lucidum)?

Patients with vasculitis may consume Ganoderma (Lingzhi) in moderation when their condition is stable and there are no related contraindications. During the stable phase, when patients do not exhibit obvious symptoms such as limb redness, swelling, or increased pain, and their overall health is steady, moderate intake of Ganoderma can serve as an adjunctive调理 method. The active components in Ganoderma may help regulate bodily functions; however, it should be noted that it cannot replace standard medical treatment and should only be used as a supplementary measure for daily health maintenance.