Causes And Complications Of Vasculitis

Our blood is an essential part of our anatomy. It travels through our body in blood vessels (veins and arteries). Without blood traveling throughout our body, we would not be able to survive, which is why it's incredibly troubling when something goes wrong with this system. When our veins and arteries become irregular, it is called vasculitis. Vasculitis refers to the inflammation of the blood vessels. It can happen in many locations in the body. Each case is unique because it can derive from many different causes and create different complications with varying degrees of severity.

Ongoing Infections

Many infections can cause vasculitis. Sometimes the infection may come and go, and when this happens, the vasculitis generally fixes itself. The problem gets more severe when it comes to chronic infections. Some of the most common ongoing infections that cause vasculitis include hepatitis B and hepatitis C. These ongoing infections attack the liver, so look for signs of jaundice, exhaustion, and digestive problems. This is where most of the damaged blood vessels will be found as well. A patient must cure the infection to fully cure the vasculitis. Unfortunately, some individuals will carry the infection with them for the rest of their lives. Seventy-five percent of individuals with hepatitis C carry it with them for the rest of their lives.

Continue reading to learn about the allergic reactions that can also cause vasculitis.

Allergic Reactions To Medication

Medications can come with some serious side effects, including vasculitis. Some of the most popular medications that cause inflamed blood vessels are antibiotics, blood pressure medication, anti-seizure medication, and gout medication. Those who experience allergic reactions to medication need to contact their doctor immediately, as they may need to get off the medication and switch to a different one. Doctors may request regular visits to monitor patient progress with the new medication. Luckily, when vasculitis is the result of an allergic reaction, it will likely cure itself in a short amount of time.

Continue reading to learn about immune system diseases and their links to vasculitis.