Dr. Gapud has interests in mechanisms and patient outcomes for ANCA-associated vasculitis, Giant Cell Arteritis, Behcet’s Disease, and Takayasu Arteritis.
In the laboratory, his research is targeted toward understanding the patho-etiologic role of granzymes in autoimmune disease and the effects of these molecular mediators on bystander cells and tissues during normal immune responses.
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.
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.
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 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 when blood vessels become inflamed due to your body attacking the blood vessel by mistake. This can cause fevers, fatigue, weight loss, and overall pain.
Dr. Eric J. Gapud, physician and Vasculitis Center Director of Research, explains what vasculitis is and different ways it effects the body.