- Raynauds syndrome is a
condition that causes repeated episodes of
tightening, or constriction, of the blood vessels
called arteries.
The tightening of the arteries interrupts the
blood flow to the fingertips or toes.
Raynauds phenomenon is a related condition that
is linked to another primary underlying health
problem such as an autoimmune illness.
- In both Raynauds syndrome
and Raynauds phenomenon, the blood vessels that
supply an area constrict.
During an attack, little or no blood flow reaches
affected areas, which become cold and pale.
Attacks may last a few minutes or as long as
several hours.
They may be mild or severe.
Rarely, but at times, the tissue of the fingers
can die from complete blockage of a blood vessel.
- Raynauds syndrome and
Raynauds phenomenon may cause changes in skin
color.
Often, the skin pales or becomes bluish when
arteries constrict.
When the arteries relax, the skin may flush and
redden before its color returns to normal.
Some of the other symptoms are as follows:
· numbness and tingling
· pain that is often described as throbbing
· swelling
In Raynauds syndrome, symptoms will be bilateral,
or experienced on both sides of the body.
In Raynauds phenomenon, symptoms generally affect
only one side of the body, and usually affect
only one or two digits.
In both conditions, the thumb is rarely affected.
- Raynauds syndrome may be
triggered by several factors, including the
following:
· cold
· mental or physical stress, such as pain
· repeated vibrations, as in workers who use
power tools
· smoking
· strong emotion causing mental stress to the
body
Raynauds phenomenon is linked to underlying
health problems, such as:
· atherosclerosis, or blockage and hardening of
the arteries
· autoimmune disorders, such as scleroderma or
lupus and other sister illnesses that are the
primary disorders, and Raynauds is considered to
be 'secondary' to them
· Berger disease, which is marked by pain in the
fingers or toes and occurs in some heavy smokers
· carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by
pressure on the median nerve at the wrist
· hypothyroidism, a condition caused by an
underactive thyroid gland
· injuries
Certain medicines can cause Raynauds phenomenon.
These include:
· beta-blockers used to treat high blood
pressure
· ergotamine used for migraine headaches
· narcotics
· over-the-counter cold medicines
Raynauds syndrome is five times more common among
women than men.
The disorder is usually diagnosed before age 40.
In fact, 75% of the cases of Raynauds syndrome
occur in women who are 15 to 40 years old.
It occurs more often during the winter and in
cold climates.
- Often, Raynauds syndrome
and Raynauds phenomenon cannot be prevented.
Exposure to cold should be minimized.
A person should attempt to remain indoors as much
as possible during cold weather, and wear layers
of clothing and gloves when going outside.
A sweater might be needed during the summer when
air conditioning is in use.
Avoiding smoking may reduce a person's risk.
**Nicotine gum or patches used to help people
stop smoking may also cause attacks.
Stress management and relaxation techniques may
be helpful.
If a medicine is triggering the condition, the
healthcare provider may change or possibly stop
the medicine.
Effective treatment of underlying health problems
can lessen the frequency and severity of attacks.
- Diagnosis of Raynauds
syndrome or Raynauds phenomenon begins with a
medical history and physical exam.
Blood flow studies can also be performed using
certain imaging techniques such as ultrasound.
- The course of Raynauds
syndrome varies with the individual.
With appropriate lifestyle modifications, the
disorder for many will stay the same or even
slowly improve.
However, a few individuals may have severe,
chronic attacks.
These attacks can cause open sores, skin changes,
nail deformities, and even loss of the fingers or
toes.
The course of Raynauds phenomenon is influenced
by the underlying disorder and response to
treatment.
- Treatment of Raynauds
syndrome and Raynauds phenomenon involve many of
the same measures described in the prevention
section.
If exposure to cold triggers an attack, running
warm water over the fingers may help to stop
symptoms.
Biofeedback can be helpful in managing stress.
With biofeedback, the person learns to control
some of the body processes that normally happen
automatically without a person even realizing it.
Certain medicines, such as calcium channel
blockers, can help keep the arteries from
constricting tightly and make discomfort less of
an issue.
Antibiotics, pain medicines, or surgery might
rarely be required -- generally for those who
have frequent and infected skin ulcers.
- Calcium channel blockers have
long been used to treat Raynauds phenomenon as
well as treating high blood pressure .
The findings of two recent studies show that
people who take a calcium channel blocker have a
much higher incidence of complications than
people taking other medicines for high blood
pressure.
The findings of one study, for example, showed
that the risk of heart attack was 27% greater.
The risk of congestive heart failure was 26%
higher.
The American Heart Association recommends
discussing the risks and benefits of the medicine
with a healthcare provider.
- The course of Raynauds
syndrome or Raynauds phenomenon is often
unpredictable.
Some people require treatment for many years.
If the condition is well controlled or if it goes
away, a person can return to normal activities.
- Any new symptoms or
worsening of usual Raynaud symptoms should be
reported to your healthcare provider involved
with the diagnosis.
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