Vasculitis

Fewer than 50 in 1 million people in the United States develop vasculitis yearly, which can cause blood vessel swelling, unpleasant symptoms, and complications when left untreated. At StrongURCare in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, the highly trained urgent care team diagnoses and treats vasculitis in patients of all ages. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office, booking a visit online, or waking in today.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of your blood vessels, including veins, arteries, and capillaries. It causes blood vessels to thicken and swell, making it more difficult for your blood to flow. Over time, this inflammation can damage your organs.

Vasculitis treatment with the StrongURCare team can help you effectively manage your symptoms and avoid complications. 

What symptoms does vasculitis cause?

Vasculitis can cause the following symptoms:

• Tingling or numbness in your feet and hands
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Rash
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Stomach pain
• Joint pain
• Kidney problems (bloody or dark urine)
• Skin changes
• Aches and pains
• Digestive problems
• Dizziness
• Eye problems

You could also suffer a stroke because of untreated cellulitis. The symptoms you’ll experience depend on which blood vessels are affected and the severity of your inflammation.

Vasculitis can affect blood vessels in your heart, lungs, nerves, skin, and eyes. It can also cause problems in blood vessels in your brain, stomach, sinuses, kidneys, hands, and feet.

What are the risk factors for vasculitis?

Risk factors for developing vasculitis include:

• Being older than 50
• Family history of vasculitis
• Having blood cancer
• Infections, like hepatitis B or C
• Scleroderma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Lupus
• Some medications
• Drug use
• Smoking
• Immune conditions

Fewer than 300 out of 1 million people over 50 in the United States are diagnosed with one of the more than 30 types of vasculitis each year.

How is vasculitis diagnosed?

The StrongURCare experts diagnose vasculitis by reviewing your medical history and symptoms, checking your vital signs, and completing a physical exam. You might undergo a biopsy, blood tests, organ function tests, an angiogram (X-ray of blood vessels), or other imaging procedures to determine the best treatment for your condition.

How is vasculitis treated?

Your personalized vasculitis treatment at StrongURCare can include:

• Healthy lifestyle habits 
• Medication
• Injections
• Infusions
• Surgery

It’s helpful to eat a nutritious diet, get plenty of sleep, stay active, minimize stress, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol.

While vasculitis is incurable, treatment with the StrongURCare experts can help manage your symptoms and keep you healthy. They might refer you to another specialist if you’re a candidate for surgery.

Schedule a vasculitis evaluation at StrongURCare by calling the office, booking a visit online, or walking in today.