Buerger's disease - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Buerger's disease is a condition characterized by the appearance of pain in the hands and feet, with pale skin. This is because the blood vessels of the hands and feet are affected in the form of inflammation and swelling, which can then become blocked due to the formation of blood clots.

This condition can cause gangrene in the hands or feet, namely the death of tissue due to the flow of oxygen and nutrients to these parts being cut off. If it has reached this phase, then the treatment is amputation.

Symptoms of Buerger's Disease

Pain in the hands and feet of people with Buerger's disease can be very intense and can appear at any time, whether the patient is active or resting. Pain may also worsen when the patient is stressed or exposed to cold air.

Some of the symptoms that can be felt include:

Pale, red, or blue fingers and toes.
Feeling cold, tingling, or numb in the hands and feet.
Fingers and toes are sore.
Swelling of the hands or feet.

ReasonBuerger's Disease

The exact cause of Buerger's disease is not known. However, there are allegations that the use of tobacco, whether in the form of cigarettes, cigars, or products consumed, is the main factor causing this condition. Substances contained in tobacco are believed to cause irritation of the blood vessels which then triggers inflammation.

In addition to tobacco, there are 2 other factors suspected of causing Buerger's disease, namely genetic factors and immune system disorders that make the immune system attack healthy body tissues.

In Asia, Buerger's disease is more common in people between the ages of 40-45, and who are active or have actively used tobacco products. Get regular health checkups, especially if you have factors that can increase your risk of Buerger's disease.

Buerger's Disease Diagnosis

There is no specific method for diagnosing Buerger's disease. The diagnosis is made by ruling out other causes that can cause similar symptoms, apart from Buerger's disease.

The diagnosis process begins with an examination of the symptoms, risk factors, and the patient's overall health condition. After that, the examination can be continued with tests. Some of the tests commonly used are:

Allen test. In this test, the patient will be asked to make a fist as tight as possible, then open it. After the fist is opened, the doctor will check the circulation of blood flow in the hand. If blood flow slows, it could be a sign of Buerger's disease.
angiography. A scanning procedure, such as a CT scan or MRI, is used in this test. Before the scan is performed, a contrast dye will be injected into the patient's vein. Contrast dye serves to clarify the picture of the condition of the blood vessels displayed by the scanner.
Blood test. This test aims to detect certain substances in the blood whose appearance can be caused by conditions other than Buerger's disease.

Buerger's Disease Treatment

Although there is no method that can completely cure Buerger's disease, there are several ways that can be done to relieve the symptoms. Treatment of this disease must be adjusted to the symptoms that appear.

The symptomatic treatment that is believed to be the most effective is to stop tobacco use. Patients must completely avoid products containing tobacco, be it cigarettes, cigars, or tobacco products that are consumed. If necessary, doctors can recommend patients to follow a special program that aims to overcome smoking addiction.

In addition to avoiding the use of tobacco, treating the symptoms of Buerger's disease is also done by:

Drug. Giving drugs that function to improve blood circulation, prevent the formation of blood clots, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, or dilate blood vessels (vasodilators). Determination of the dose and type of drug should be further consulted with a doctor.
Operation. One of the operations that can be done to relieve the symptoms of Buerger's disease is: sympathectomy namely cutting the nerves that cause complaints. However, the effectiveness of treating Buerger's disease with sympathectomy still debated. Discuss further with your doctor regarding the benefits and risks of the procedure to be undertaken.
Amputation.Amputations are performed when complications occur, such as unresolved infection or gangrene.
Spinal nerve stimulation therapy.This therapy aims to relieve pain by sending a small electric current to the spinal cord. The electricity that is flowed serves to block the emergence of the sensation of pain.

In addition to some of the methods above, symptom management can also be done at home. Patients can compress the hands and feet with warm water to increase blood flow, so that the pain felt can be reduced. However, it would be better if the treatment at home is discussed with the doctor first. The doctor will determine the right treatment and according to the patient's condition.

Complications of Buerger's Disease

People with Buerger's disease may experience gangrene (tissue death) in the fingers and toes. This condition is the impact of slowing down or even stopping the blood supply to that part. Gangrene is usually characterized by numbness and discoloration of the fingers or toes to blue or black. It would be better if the patient immediately went to see a doctor when he realized the appearance of the above symptoms.

Prevention of Buerger's Disease

Prevention of Buerger's disease can be done by avoiding cigarettes or using products made from tobacco. Patients who are addicted to smoking can consult a doctor. Doctors will recommend therapy to help patients overcome addictions.

In addition, efforts can also be made to reduce the risk of Buerger's disease, including: