Treatment of Raynaude’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a rare disorder of the blood vessels, usually in the fingers and toes. Raynaud’s phenomenon can be associated with diseases of the arteries such as Buerger’s disease and atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and systemic Lupus erythematosus. Cold hands and feet are uncomfortable but are usually only a problem in winter. But for people who suffer from Raynaud’s disease they can be a year-round problem, sometimes with serious consequences. Raynaud’s disease affects a small percentage of Americans. Women are more likely than men are to have the disorder. It’s more common in people who live in colder climates. People with this disorder have attacks that cause the blood vessels to narrow. Raynaud’s disease is more than simply having cold hands and cold feet, and it’s not the same as frostbite. Signs and symptoms of Raynaud’s depend on the frequency, duration and severity of the blood vessel spasms that underlie the disorder. Raynaud’s disease occurs more frequently in women than in men.
Raynaud’s disease can occur at any age it usually begins between the ages of 15 and 40. It is estimated that 4 - 5% of the United States population is affected. Primary Raynaud’s occurs spontaneously, without any underlying condition being present. It can be hereditary, in which case it is usually fairly mild. Women are affected nine times more than men.Secondary Raynaud’s is less common and is associated with underlying diseases such as Scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögrens syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. This is more serious and early and accurate diagnosis is essential. Medications that can be causes include beta-blockers and ergotamine. Self-care and preventive treatment usually are effective in alleviating mild symptoms of Raynaud’s. Alpha blockers-Some people find relief with drugs called alpha blockers, which counteract the actions of norepinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers drugs relax and open up small blood vessels in your hands and feet.
Minimising emotional stress has a significant beneficial effect too. Hand warmers may be used on the wrists to warm the blood flowing to the hands. More serious cases require medical intervention due to the risks of gangrene and possible digital amputation. Microvascular surgery of the affected areas is a possible therapy. Take precautions indoors. Wear socks. When taking food out of the refrigerator or freezer, wear gloves, mittens or oven mitts. Some people find it helpful to wear 0mittens and socks to bed during winter. Consider moving to a location with a milder climate. Moving to a warmer climate may help people with severe Raynaud’s. The medications that are used are calcium channel blockers e.g. nifedipine, alpha blockers e.g. Prazosin, and other drugs like fluoxetine and losartan. Hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and visualization are also useful methods to help control emotions.
Treatment of Raynaude’s Disease Tips
1.Calcium channel blockers drugs relax and open up small blood vessels in your hands and feet.
2.Alpha blockers, which counteract the actions of norepinephrine, a hormone that constricts blood vessels.
3. Minimising emotional stress has a significant beneficial effect too.
4.Hand warmers may be used on the wrists to warm the blood flowing to the hands.
5. Microvascular surgery of the affected areas is a possible therapy.
6. Hypnosis, relaxation techniques, and visualization are also useful methods to help control emotions.
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