Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a condition in which the blood vessels become inflamed and damaged. This can lead to thinning, thickening and weakening of the vessel walls. Vasculitis can affect people of any age and gender and can occur in any part of the body. If left untreated, vasculitis can lead to serious health problems and can sometimes be fatal. In this article we have written for you, we will try to give information about the causes, types and symptoms of vasculitis.

What Is Vasculitis?

Vasculitis describes the inflammation and damage of the vessels. Vessels are the channel system that allows blood to circulate in the body, and vasculitis can affect this channel system and prevent blood flow. This causes tissues and organs not to receive enough oxygen and nutrients and leads to their inability to fulfill their functions. Vasculitis can affect any type of vein and in any part of the body, but some varieties tend to affect certain types or areas of veins more.

What Causes Vasculitis?

The exact cause of vasculitis is unknown in most cases. However, in some cases it is thought to occur as a result of the immune system being abnormally activated and attacking its own vessels. This can be triggered by various factors such as infections, genetic factors, autoimmune diseases or cancer. Some medications can also cause vasculitis reactions. Conditions where the cause of vasculitis is unknown are called “idiopathic vasculitis”.

What Are The Types of Vasculitis?

Vasculitis can be classified according to the size of the affected vessels and their location in the body. The main types of vasculitis are as follows;

Large Vessel Vasculitis; These are vasculitis types affecting the aorta and its main branches. Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis can be given as examples.

Medium Vascular Vasculitis; These are vasculitis types affecting smaller branches of the main arteries. Examples include Kawasaki disease, polyarteritis nodosa and Buerger’s disease.

Small Vessel Vasculitis; These are vasculitis types affecting capillaries. Examples include granulomatous polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis and eosinophilic granulomatous polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome).

Each type of vasculitis is associated with different symptoms and complications. Vasculitis can be diagnosed using the patient’s symptoms, physical examination findings, laboratory tests and, if necessary, imaging methods. Treatment varies depending on the cause and severity of vasculitis and the organs it affects. Usually, corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive drugs are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.

What Are The Symptoms Of Vasculitis?

Symptoms of vasculitis can vary depending on the size and type of vessels affected and the area of the body affected. Some common symptoms of vasculitis are as follows;

• Fever, weakness and general malaise,
• Loss of appetite and weight loss,
• Joint pain and swelling,
• Muscle pain and weakness,
• Shortness of breath and cough,
• Headaches and migraines,
• Numbness, tingling and loss of strength due to nerve damage,
• Skin rashes and bruises,
• Coldness and discolouration of the toes and fingers,
• Eye pain, redness and sensitivity to light,
• Impaired renal function and blood in the urine,

How Is Vasculitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of vasculitis is based on the patient’s symptoms, physical examination findings and laboratory tests. Some methods used in the diagnosis of vasculitis are as follows;

• Blood tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and complete blood count help to assess the level of inflammation in the body and organ functions.
• Urine analysis checks kidney function and the presence of blood or protein in the urine.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to assess the condition of blood vessels and internal organs.
• A small sample of the affected tissue can be examined under a microscope to confirm the presence and type of vasculitis.
• Visualisation of the vessels using contrast media allows the location and extent of narrowed or blocked vessels to be determined.

How Is Vasculitis Treated?

Treatment of vasculitis varies depending on the type and severity of the disease and the organs it affects. The main goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms and prevent organ damage. Some methods used in the treatment of vasculitis are as follows;

• Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone relieve symptoms by rapidly reducing inflammation. These drugs are often used as initial treatment, but can cause serious side effects in long-term use.
• Immunosuppressive drugs such as azathioprine, methotrexate and cyclophosphamide reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. These medicines can be used in combination with corticosteroids or to reduce the side effects of corticosteroids.
• Biological agents such as rituximab and tocilizumab reduce inflammation by targeting the immune system. These drugs can be used in cases of severe vasculitis that have not responded to other treatments.
• Plasmapheresis is based on taking blood and separating it into plasma and blood cells and then returning the blood to the patient by combining it with cleaned plasma or a plasma exchanger. Plasmapheresis helps to clear the body of harmful antibodies and inflammatory substances.
• Supportive therapies such as painkillers, antihistamines and topical creams can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

The treatment of vasculitis requires a multidisciplinary approach and it is important that patients receive the most appropriate treatment plan with regular follow-up and evaluation.

Who Can Get Vasculitis?

Vasculitis can be seen in all age groups and in both sexes. However, some factors may increase the risk of vasculitis;

• Some types of vasculitis are more common in older adults. For example, giant cell arteritis usually occurs in individuals over the age of 50.
• Some types of vasculitis are more common in women or men. For example, Behcet’s disease is more common in men, while granulomatous polyangiitis is more common in women.
• Family history and genetic factors may increase the risk of vasculitis. For example, Behçet’s disease, which is associated with the HLA-B51 gene, is more common in individuals who carry this gene in the family.
• Some viral and bacterial infections may increase the risk of developing vasculitis. For example, hepatitis B and C viruses can cause polyarteritis nodosa.
• Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome may increase the risk of vasculitis.

What Are The Complications Related to Vasculitis?

Vasculitis can lead to various complications. Some complications associated with vasculitis are as follows;

• Reduced blood flow due to vasculitis can cause insufficient oxygen and nutrients to the organs. This can lead to serious organ damage such as kidney failure, heart failure and nerve damage.
• Vasculitis can lead to weakening and widening of the vessel walls, which can lead to the development of an aneurysm. An aneurysm is a serious condition that can cause the vessel to rupture and cause internal bleeding.
• Vasculitis can cause clotting disorders and thrombosis. Thrombosis can lead to vessel blockage and organ damage.
• Vasculitis can have negative effects on the immune system and make it more susceptible to infections.
• Drugs used to treat vasculitis, especially corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs, can cause serious side effects.

When To See A Doctor For Vasculitis?

Symptoms of vasculitis are usually sudden onset and severe. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor;

• General symptoms such as fever, weakness and weight loss,
• Severe headache and sensitivity,
• Skin rash, bruising or bruises,
• Joint pain and swelling,
• Shortness of breath,
• Abdominal pain,
• Change in urine colour, bloody urine or decreased urine volume,
• Nervous system symptoms, for example, numbness, weakness or paralysis,

In case of suspected vasculitis, early diagnosis and treatment is important. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment options.

Vasculitis Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Vasculitis Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.