A series of disorders known as "collagen vascular disease" impact your connective tissue. Collagen is a protein-based connective tissue that acts as a skin support system. Connective tissue connects bones, ligaments, and muscles. Collagen vascular disease is also known as connective tissue disease. Collagen vascular disorders can be hereditary (acquired from one's parents) or autoimmune (caused by the body's immune system attacking itself).
Some collagen vascular disease diseases impact your joints, skin, blood vessels, or other essential organs. Symptoms differ depending on the ailment.
The following are examples of autoimmune collagen vascular disease:
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Scleroderma
- Temporal arteritis
The following are examples of hereditary collagen disease:
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Marfan’s syndrome
- Brittle bone disease, often known as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI).
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COLLAGEN VASCULAR DISEASE?
Each form of collagen vascular disease is distinguished by its own set of symptoms. However, most types of collagen vascular disease have certain common symptoms. Collagen vascular diseases are characterized by the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Body pains
- Joint discomfort
- Muscle weakness
- Fever
- Rash on the skin
Lupus symptoms
Lupus is a collagen vascular disease that manifests differently in each patient. Other symptoms may include:
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Dry eyes
- Stroke
- Sores in the mouth
- Repeated miscarriages
Lupus patients may experience extended periods of remission without symptoms. Symptoms might worsen under stress or after extended exposure to sunshine.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 1.3 million individuals in the United States have rheumatoid arthritis. Pain and stiffness are caused by inflammation of the connective tissue between the joints. You may experience dry eyes and a dry mouth on a regular basis. If you have this type of collagen vascular disease, your blood vessels or the lining of your heart may become inflamed.
Scleroderma symptoms
Scleroderma is an autoimmune condition that can affect your:
- Skin
- Heart
- Lungs
- Digestive system
- Various organs
The symptoms include skin thickening and hardness, rashes, and open sores. Your skin may feel tight or lumpy in certain spots, as if it is being stretched. Systemic scleroderma can result in:
- Coughing
- Acid reflux
- Joint discomfort
- Foot numbness
- Wheezing
- Breathing problems
- Diarrhea
Temporal arteritis symptoms
Another kind of collagen vascular disease is temporal arteritis, often known as giant cell arteritis. Temporal arteritis is an inflammation of the major arteries, most of which are located in the brain. The following symptoms are most frequent in persons over the age of 70:
- Sensitivity of the scalp
- Jaw ache
- Headaches
- Loss of eyesight
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF COLLAGEN VASCULAR DISEASE?
Collagen vascular disease is a kind of autoimmune disorder. This implies that your immune system erroneously assaults healthy tissue in your body. Nobody knows what causes your immune system to behave in this manner. In most cases, the assaults produce inflammation. Your immune system generates inflammation in your collagen and adjacent joints if you have collagen vascular disease.
Several collagen vascular illnesses, such as lupus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis, affect women more than males. Adults in their 30s and 40s are most commonly affected by this category of disorders. Lupus can be diagnosed in children before the age of 15, however it primarily affects those beyond the age of 15.
HOW ARE COLLAGEN VASCULAR DISEASES DIAGNOSED?
A physical exam and discussion of your symptoms are the first steps in diagnosing collagen vascular disorders. To establish the degree of the condition, your doctor will check the changes in your skin as well as your limbs and joints. Other possible tests include:
- Blood tests: Your blood will be tested for hormone levels as well as the existence of other disorders that might cause infertility.
- Echocardiogram: A non-invasive echocardiogram (ECHO) creates a moving image of your heart chambers, heart valves, and major blood veins around the heart using high-frequency sound waves.
- CT scan: This test makes comprehensive pictures of the organs that may be impacted by your illness using X-rays and a computer.
- Biopsy: To establish the amount of any organ involvement, a tiny sample of tissue may be removed and studied under a microscope.
- Urinalysis: Your urine will be tested for infection, blood, and elevated protein levels.
- X-ray: Changes in your joints can be detected using traditional X-ray pictures.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR COLLAGEN VASCULAR DISEASE?
The treatment for collagen vascular disease differs depending on your specific situation. Corticosteroid and immunosuppressive medicines, on the other hand, are routinely used to treat various connective tissue illnesses.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids help to lessen inflammation all over your body. This family of medications also aids in the normalization of your immune system. Corticosteroids can cause significant weight gain and psychological abnormalities in certain persons. While using corticosteroid drugs, some patients may have a rise in blood sugar.
Immunosuppressants
Immunosuppressive medicine reduces your immune response. Your body will not assault itself as much if your immunological reaction is reduced. However, a weakened immune system might raise your chances of getting sick. Stay away from persons who have colds or the flu to protect yourself from uncomplicated viruses.
Physical therapy
Collagen vascular disease can also be treated with physical therapy or mild exercise. Range-of-motion exercises can help you maintain your mobility while also reducing joint and muscular discomfort.
CONCLUSION
The prognosis for collagen vascular disease varies depending on the individual and their unique condition. They do, however, have one feature: all autoimmune disorders are chronic ailments. They have no cure and must be managed for the rest of your life.
Your physicians will collaborate with you to develop a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms.