Raynaud's Syndrome
Raynaud’s syndrome is basically a disorder that affects the blood vessels in the ears, nose, fingers and toes. This disorder is distinguished by episodic attacks called as vasospastic attacks that lead to the blood vessels in the toes and fingers to get constricted.
Raynaud’s syndrome can take place on its own, or it can be secondary to another condition like lupus or scleroderma. Though estimates vary, recent investigations show that Raynaud’s syndrome may affect 5-10 percent of the general population in US. Women are more likely as compared to men to have the disorder. It appears to be more common in people who reside in colder climates. However, people with the disorder who reside in milder climates may have more attacks during colder weather.
What happens during an attack?
For majority of people, an attack is generally triggered by exposure to emotional or cold stress. Generally, attacks affect the toes or fingers but may affect the lips, nose or ear lobes.
Following are the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome:
- Reduced blood supply to the areas of extremities and
- Changes in sensation and skin color
Raynaud’s syndrome is classified by doctors as either in the primary or secondary form. In literature of medical, primary Raynaud’s syndrome may also be called as Raynaud’s disease, primary Raynaud’s syndrome or idiopathic Raynaud’s syndrome. The terms primary and idiopathic both means that the cause is unknown.
There are basically two types of Raynaud’s syndrome:
- Primary Raynaud’s syndrome
- Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome
How does a doctor identify Raynaud’s syndrome?
If a doctor suspects Raynaud’s syndrome, he/she will ask the patient for a complete medical history. The doctor will then scrutinize the patient to find out other medical problems. The patient may have a vasospastic attack at the time of the office visit, which makes it much easier for the doctor to identify Raynaud’s syndrome.
Majority of doctors find it easy to identify Raynaud’s syndrome but more difficult to diagnose the kind of the disorder.
The doctor may ask for two types of blood tests, an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and an antinuclear antibody test (ANA). The ANA test finds out whether the body is producing special proteins often found in people who have autoimmune disorders or connective tissue diseases. The ESR test is mainly a measure of inflammation in the body and checks how fast red blood cells settle out of the unclotted blood.
What is the treatment for Raynaud’s syndrome?
The main aim of the treatment is to reduce the severity and number of attacks and to prevent tissue damage and loss in the toes and fingers. Majority of doctors are traditional in treating patients who have primary and secondary Raynaud’s syndrome: that is, they suggest self-help measures and non-drug treatment first.
Doctors may prescribe medications for some patients, generally those with secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. Moreover, patients are treated for any underlying condition or disease which leads to secondary Raynaud’s syndrome.