Behcet’s syndrome: Risk factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment
It is a rare disorder causing inflammation of the blood vessels of the entire body. It is characterized by the occurrence of three characteristic symptoms of oral ulcers, genital ulcer, and uveitis. The disease is thought to involve an autoimmune response when exposed to infectious agents.
The painful oral ulcer is the first symptom to appear in Behcet syndrome. This sore can occur anywhere inside the buccal cavity.
There is no cure for this disease but with the help of medication, the symptoms can be checked.
Symptoms :
Symptoms vary from person to person in Behcet syndrome. Some people experience mild symptoms while few experience very severe symptoms. The symptoms observed are the following :
• Mouth: The symptoms of the mouth are the first symptoms to appear in Behcet syndrome. Mouth sores which look like cancer sore quickly turn into painful ulcers. The ulcers heal about 1-3 week but recur soon.
• Skin: Around 75% of people suffering from Behcet syndrome exhibit skin symptoms. People can experience acne-like sores, to nodules and in some severe condition erythema nodosum.
• Digestive symptoms: Symptoms like pain in the abdomen, diarrhoea, and bleeding is seen. The symptoms are so alike to an active inflammatory Bowel disease that it becomes very difficult to differentiate among Behcet syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease clinically.
• Eyes: Inflammation of eyes with redness, pain and blurred vision which keeps on reoccurring.
• Genital: Painful red open sores on the scrotum or vulva. The sore when healed leaves scar marks.
• Joints: Joints are painful with swelling, especially the knee joint. The pain lasts for 1-3 weeks and then subside on its own.
• Blood vessels: Inflammation of blood vessels both arteries and veins causing redness, pain, and swelling in arms and legs. As a result of inflammation, blood clots are formed which can result in blockage or an aneurysm.
• Brain: The inflammation of the brain causes fever, disorientation, a headache and sometimes stroke.
Causes :
• Genetic or autoimmune disorder.
• Environmental factors which expose to infectious agents.
Risk factors :
• People between 20-30 years are at higher risk.
• Males are at greater risk than females.
• People along the Silk route are at higher risk.
• Family history
Complications:
• Blindness due to untreated uveitis
• Blockage in blood vessels due to inflammation of blood vessels
• Stroke due to inflammation of the brain
• Depression
• Loss of libido
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia
Lifestyle changes to check symptoms:
• Applications of gels and cream on the skin to soothe ulcers
• Rinsing mouth regularly
• Preventing exposure of eyes in the sun
• Taking medicines as prescribed by the doctor
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet
• Resting adequately during flares
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking tobacco
When to see a doctor
Meet a doctor if you notice signs and symptoms indicating Behcet syndrome. If you are already diagnosed with Behcet syndrome and you experience new symptoms then visit your doctor and discuss the new symptoms with him.