Raynaud’s disease leaves hands and feet pale or bluish. The symptoms are caused by the cold and are linked to the functioning of the arteries.
iRaynaud’s disease is a functional peripheral arterial disease. Certainly, a clinical condition in which small arteries narrow more than normal when exposed to cold. It usually happens on the hands and feet.
There is functional peripheral arterial disease and occlusive peripheral arterial disease, as the first is much less common.
Normally, the arteries in the arms and legs dilate and contract according to environmental changes. For example, in the case of a change in temperature, changes in blood flow or signals from the brain.
In short, Raynaud’s disease appears when the normal mechanisms that dilate and contract these arteries work in excess. Causing the arteries to contract with greater force and frequency.
Therefore, changes in contraction can be caused by: hereditary defect in blood vessels; disorders of the nerves that control the dilation and contraction of arteries (sympathetic nervous system); injuries; medicines.
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Raynaud’s Syndrome or Disease
– Primary Raynaud’s disease
As per the above mentioned, there are two types of Raynaud’s disease. The primary is much more common than the secondary. And between 60% and 90% of cases of this syndrome occur in women, aged between 15 and 40 years.
Generally, Raynaud’s disease is triggered by exposure to cold or some strong emotion. These situations can cause the arteries to contract intensely.
– Secondary Raynaud’s disease
In this case, the disease can be triggered by several factors, for example: systemic sclerosis; rheumatoid arthritis; atherosclerosis; cryoglobulinemia; hypothyroidism; between others.
The use of some medications, especially those that constrict blood vessels, can worsen Raynaud’s disease. Some people also suffer from other disorders resulting from arteries prone to contraction.
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Symptoms
In most cases, constriction of small arteries in the fingers and toes begins quickly. And they are mainly caused by exposure to cold. The episode can vary, lasting minutes or hours.
The color of the fingers and toes may be pale, bluish or very red, usually in plaques. It happens that only one finger or parts of more than one are affected. Furthermore, they are not painful, but they may become numb, with a tingling, pins and burning sensation.
When the episode ends, the affected areas return to their normal color and sensitivity. In cases of people with systemic sclerosis, the skin becomes smooth, shiny and rigid. Additionally, small, painful sores may appear on the fingertips.
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Diagnosis
To diagnose Raynaud’s disease, doctors rely on symptoms and physical exam results. It is often not necessary for the patient to undergo any procedure for the diagnosis to be established.
If doctors suspect that an artery is blocked, a Doppler ultrasound may be performed before the person is exposed to the cold. However, blood tests may also be required to check for clinical conditions that could cause Raynaud’s disease.
Treatment
Raynaud’s disease has no cure, on the other hand, it has treatment. Carried out with medication, giving up smoking and avoiding triggers, such as cold and stress.
It is possible to control the disease by protecting the head, torso, arms and legs from the cold. In cases where patients experience symptoms when they are agitated, mild sedatives are indicated.
Quitting smoking is essential, as cigarettes constrict blood vessels.
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Fonte: Manual MSD
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