Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Thought I’d make a post for a condition some of us end up with along with Lupus:
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition in which cold temperatures or strong emotions cause blood vessel spasms that block blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears, and nose.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Raynaud’s phenomenon can be associated with other conditions. This is called secondary Reynaud’s phenomenon. Most people with the condition are over age 30.
Common causes are:
Diseases of the arteries, such as atherosclerosis and buerger’s disease
Drugs that cause narrowing of arteries, such as amphetamines, certain types of beta-blockers, some cancer drugs, ergot compounds, and methysergide
Arthritis and autoimmune conditions, such as scleroderma, Sjogren syndrome,rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus
Repeated injury, particularly from vibrations such as those caused by typing or playing the piano
Smoking
Raynaud’s phenomenon also occurs without another disease, medication, or cause. This is called primary Raynaud’s phenomenon. It is most often seen in people younger than age 30.
Symptoms
Strong emotions or exposure to the cold causes the fingers, toes, ears, or nose to become white, then turn blue. When blood flow returns, the area becomes red and then later returns to normal color. The attacks may last from minutes to hours.
People with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon (no other cause or condition) have problems in the same fingers on both sides, but they do not have very much pain.
People with secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon (associated with other medical conditions) are more likely to have pain in different fingers. They often have pain and tingling.
Signs and tests
The doctor will perform a physical exam. Vascular ultrasound and a cold stimulation test for Raynaud’s phenomenon may be done.
Different blood tests may be done to diagnose arthritic and autoimmune conditions that may cause Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Treatment
The following lifestyle changes may help people with Raynaud’s phenomenon:
Stop smoking
Avoid caffeine
Stop and avoid medications that cause tightening or spasms of the blood vessels
Avoid exposure to cold in any form. Wear mittens or gloves outdoors and when handling ice or frozen food. Avoid getting chilled, which may happen after any active recreational sport.
Wear comfortable, roomy shoes and wool socks. When outside, always wear shoes.
Your health care provider may prescribe medications to relax the walls of the blood vessels. These include topical nitroglycerin, calcium channel blockers, sildenafil (Viagra), and ace inhibitors.
It is important to treat the condition causing Raynaud’s phenomenon.
