Buerger’s disease is also known as thromboangitis obliterans and it is a rare disease that causes inflammation and blockage of the small blood vessels of the limbs. The legs and feet are most commonly affected but this condition can also be seen in the hands. The condition is most commonly seen in smokers between the ages of 20 and 40 years old and occurs most often in men. This post will give you with a brief yet concise overview of the disease symptoms and approaches you can use to manage those signs and symptoms and decrease the discomfort.

Buerger’s Disease Indications and Causes

Indications can include pain or tingling in the hands or feet, and exercise or walking can bring on rapid fatigue, discomfort, and leg cramps (intermittent claudication). The limbs may feel chilly and look pale, red or bluish. Discomfort may be increased by exposure to cold, and painful ulcers or gangrene could develop.

The cause is not completely understood but is seemingly linked to tobacco smoking. The disease affects 6 out of every 10,000 individuals and those with this disorder are almost always men in between the ages of 20 and 40 who have a history of smoking or chewing tobacco.

Buerger’s Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Choices

The initial phase of a diagnosis and prognosis is made upon observation of the aforementioned signs or symptoms. The man or woman ought to be evaluated by a provider and the evaluation may involve a physical examination and specialised studies of the blood vessels (i.e. ultrasound, arteriogram).

There is at this time no cure readily available for Buerger’s disease. To control signs:

Cigarette smoking needs to be given up as well as exposure to cold and excessive use of the involved limb

Applying heat to the affected limbs and gentle physical exercise may help enhance blood flow and reduce signs or symptoms.

A doctor may prescribe a vasodilator (to open up blocked blood vessels).

Serious cases may need blockage of the sympathetic nervous system or sympathectomy (severing the sympathetic nerve supply).

If ulceration or gangrene are present, amputation may be necessary.