Behcet's disease, commonly known as Behcet's syndrome, is an uncommon ailment that causes inflammation of blood vessels throughout the body.
The condition can cause a variety of signs and symptoms that may appear unconnected at first. Mouth sores, eye irritation, skin rashes and lesions, and genital sores are examples.
Medication is used to alleviate the signs and symptoms of Behcet's illness and to avoid major consequences, such as blindness.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BEHCET'S DISEASE?
Behcet's illness symptoms vary from person to person, and might appear and disappear or become less severe with time. The signs and symptoms vary according on whatever areas of your body are affected.
Behcet's illness frequently affects the following areas:
- Mouth: The most prevalent symptom of Behcet's illness is painful mouth sores that resemble canker sores. They start as elevated, circular lesions in the mouth and soon progress to painful ulcers. The sores normally heal in one to three weeks, although they might reoccur.
- Skin: Some people get acne-like lesions all over their bodies. Others have skin nodules that are red, elevated, and sensitive, particularly on their lower legs.
- Eyes: Uveitis (eye inflammation) produces redness, discomfort, and impaired vision in both eyes. Behcet's illness is a sickness that comes and goes in humans.
- Joints: Knee swelling and discomfort are common in persons with Behcet's illness. Ankles, elbows, and wrists may also be implicated. Symptoms and signs might last one to three weeks and then go away on their own.
- Blood vessels: When a blood clot forms as a result of inflammation in the veins and arteries, it can cause redness, discomfort, and swelling in the arms and legs. Inflammation in the major arteries can result in consequences such as aneurysms and vessel constriction or obstruction.
- Digestive system: The digestive system can be affected by a range of signs and symptoms, including stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and bleeding.
- Brain: Headache, fever, disorientation, poor balance, and stroke can all be symptoms of inflammation in the brain and nervous system.
- Genitals: Red, open sores on the scrotum or vulva might appear. Sores are typically painful and might leave scars.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF BEHCET'S DISEASE?
Behcet's illness may be an autoimmune ailment, which means that the body's immune system targets some of its own healthy cells by mistake. Genetic and environmental factors are most likely involved.
Behcet's illness symptoms are thought to be caused by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis). The disorder can affect arteries and veins of any size, causing damage throughout the body.
Several genes have been shown to be linked to the condition. Some experts believe that a virus or bacteria can cause Behcet's illness in those who have particular genes that predispose them to the condition.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR BEHCET'S DISEASE?
The following factors may raise your risk of Behcet's:
- Age: Behcet's illness most usually affects men and women in their twenties and thirties, while it can also affect children and the elderly.
- Where you live: People from the Middle East and East Asia, such as Turkey, Iran, Japan, and China, are more prone to get Behcet's disease.
- Sex: While both men and women can have Behcet's illness, men generally have a more severe case.
- Genes: Certain genes are linked to an increased chance of getting Behcet's.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF BEHCET'S DISEASE?
Behcet's disease complications are determined by your indications and symptoms. Untreated uveitis, for example, might result in impaired eyesight or blindness. People with Behcet's illness who have ocular signs and symptoms should see an eye expert (ophthalmologist) on a frequent basis since therapy can help prevent this consequence.
HOW IS BEHCET'S DISEASE DIAGNOSED?
Because there are no tests that can establish whether you have Behcet's disease, your doctor will depend only on your indications and symptoms. Because practically everyone with the disorder has mouth sores, mouth sores that repeat at least three times in a year are usually required for a Behcet's disease diagnosis.
Furthermore, Behcet's illness must be diagnosed with at least two additional indicators, such as:
- Recurring genital sores
- Inflammation of the eyes
- Skin sores
You may require the following tests:
Blood tests and other laboratory examinations may rule out further conditions.
Pathergy test, in which a sterile needle is inserted into your skin and the region is examined one to two days later. If the test is positive, you will see a little red lump beneath your skin where the needle was put. This suggests that your immune system is responding excessively to a slight insult.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR BEHCET'S DISEASE?
Behcet's illness has no known cure. If you have a mild type, your doctor may recommend drugs to manage the pain and inflammation associated with flares. Between outbreaks, you may not require medicine.
In addition to treatments for flares, your doctor may give medications to manage the Behcet's disease throughout your body if your signs and symptoms are severe.
Behcet's disease treatments for individual indications and symptoms
The following medications may be used to manage the signs and symptoms you experience during flares:
- Creams, gels, and ointments for the skin: To relieve inflammation and discomfort, topical corticosteroid medications are administered directly to the skin and genital sores
- Mouth rinses: The use of special mouthwashes containing corticosteroids and other medicines may help to alleviate the discomfort of mouth sores.
- Eyedrops: If the inflammation is minor, eyedrops containing corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications can alleviate discomfort and redness.
Behcet's disease systemic treatments
If topical treatments are ineffective, your doctor may prescribe colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare) for persistent oral and genital sores. Colchicine may also help with joint swelling.
Severe instances of Behcet's illness need medications to reduce disease damage between flares. If you have Behcet's illness that is mild to severe, your doctor may prescribe:
- Corticosteroids to control inflammation: Prednisone and other corticosteroids are used to treat the inflammation produced by Behcet's illness. Doctors frequently combine them with another drug to reduce immune system activity.
Corticosteroid side effects include weight gain, recurrent heartburn, high blood pressure, and bone weakening (osteoporosis).
- Immune system suppressing medications: Drugs that prevent your immune system from attacking healthy tissues can help lessen the inflammation associated with Behcet's illness. Azathioprine (Azasan, Imuran), cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune), and cyclophosphamide are examples of these medications. These medications may raise your risk of infection. Other potential adverse effects include liver and renal issues, low blood counts, and hypertension.
- Medications that change the reaction of your immune system: Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A) controls immune system activity to control inflammation. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications to assist patients with Behcet's illness control their skin sores, joint discomfort, and eye irritation. Flu-like symptoms, such as muscular soreness and exhaustion, are among the side effects.
Medications that suppress a chemical known as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are beneficial in treating some of the signs and symptoms of Behcet's disease, particularly in patients with more severe or resistant symptoms. Infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab are two examples (Humira). Headache, skin rash, and an increased risk of infection are possible side effects.