Patients with a rheumatic disease are at a higher risk for infection due to their disease or medications. Dr. Chris Mecoli from the Division of Rheumatology speaks with Dr. Erika Darrah about steps a patient could take in order to prevent infections.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon is a condition that results in decreased blood flow to your fingers and toes. There are two types of Raynaud’s, primary and secondary. Dr. Zsuzsanna McMahan from the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center dives into what this condition is, things to look out for, how to manage and when you should speak with a doctor.
The symptoms of vasculitis can vary depending on the kind of vasculitis. Some effect the big blood vessels, some the medium blood vessels and some the small blood vessels. Overall, vasculitis can leave you feeling like you have the flu.
Rheumatologist Dr. Eric J. Gapud, physician and Vasculitis Center Director of Research, explains the signs and symptoms of vasculitis, and when you should go see a rheumatologist.
Vasculitis is an autoimmune attack on the blood vessels. It is diagnosed by discussing the symptoms with the patient and then narrowing in on the specific vessels that seem to be affected.
Diagnosis begins with a physical exam of the patient. The exam is followed by a biopsy or radiology to get a clear understanding of how the blood vessels are being affected.
The treatment for vasculitis depends on the type of vasculitis a patient has. Before beginning treatment your Rheumatologist will try to understand how extensive is the injury to the body from vasculitis. Once that is determined, they would decide what is the intensity and duration of treatment that is needed.
For more extreme cases, corticosteroids may be used, along with non-steroidal treatments. Along with these treatments, it is important that patients are vigilant about maintaining a balanced and healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
Rheumatologist Dr. Eric J. Gapud, with the Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center, explains how treatment decisions are made.
Like many rheumatic diseases, exercise and a healthy diet are key to a Vasculitis patients recovery. How quickly and how well blood vessels heal and regenerate has a direct relationship with how soon can a patient get back to exercising.
Dr. Eric J. Gapud, physician and Vasculitis Center Director of Research, explores things patients can do at home to heal and feel better.