{"id":9672,"date":"2019-08-10T23:18:17","date_gmt":"2019-08-10T23:18:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9672"},"modified":"2022-02-07T09:26:32","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T09:26:32","slug":"14-common-symptoms-of-behcets-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-common-symptoms-of-behcets-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Common Symptoms of Behcet’s Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Behcet\u2019s disease is a fairly rare disorder that is more likely to affect people from the Middle East and Asia, though it can occur anywhere. This condition can be frustrating to diagnose and treat since not a lot is known about it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is autoimmune in nature, which refers to a condition where the natural immune system somehow gets confused and starts attacking healthy tissue. In other words, these diseases occur when your body begins to attack itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the symptoms of this disease is important in making sure you get off on the right foot towards a proper diagnosis. Without context, these symptoms can seem unrelated to one another since they affect different parts of the body. If you suspect you might have this condition, it\u2019s important to speak with a medical professional for a formal diagnosis. Many medications exist that can help manage symptoms, as well as natural options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s take a look at 8 common symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Mouth Sores<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These sores <\/a>can be very uncomfortable and can vary widely in the presentation. They can also appear on any area of the mouth, from the front of the lips to the back of the throat (or anywhere in between, including on the tongue).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identifying these sores can be difficult at first since they can take a lot of forms. Some could be very shallow, while others can be surprisingly deep. It\u2019s not uncommon for these sores to result in a lot of pain and discomfort, although smaller ones may not irritate you. They may go away completely or leave a scar.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may notice increased discomfort when eating foods that are acidic (like fruit juice or soda), salty (like chips or salted nuts), or spicy (like hot sauce or salsa). These foods irritate sores and not only hurt, but they can also make the sores worse or cause them to take longer to heal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Sores on the Skin<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to sores on the mouth, you may spot similar sores elsewhere on your body. These can pop up pretty much anywhere and can take many shapes. These spots can be large, bright red, raw, and tender sores or they can manifest as much smaller bumps. Sometimes these bumps can be filled with pus <\/a>and may even resemble an acne pimple. Sores can start out as this smaller variety and then grow into larger, more intrusive sores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These skin sores are a different type of bodily response from other types of sores experienced with this disease and can look much different from other sores. They may make it painful to sit or lie down if they occur on your back, legs, or rear end. You may also go through periods where you have little or no sores, followed by a breakout with many sores at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Sores on the Genital Region<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a lot of different types of sores that can be manifested by Behcet\u2019s disease<\/a>, and these are all viewed as separate symptoms since they have different scientific classifications and names. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both men and women can experience genital sores as a symptom. They can appear anywhere, including on or even inside the genitals. You may notice them on the scrotum, penile shaft or head, or at the base of the male genitalia. Women may notice them on or just outside of the vulva, on the vagina, or even inside of the vagina where they can be especially uncomfortable. In some cases, the sores may reach as far as the cervix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can be extremely uncomfortable and severe lesions can even leave behind permanent scarring when they heal. Attempting to manage this symptom with medication can reduce your risk of scarring and improve healing times.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Inflammation of the Eyes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may experience symptoms involving the eyes with Behcet\u2019s syndrome since inflammation <\/a>in this area can be especially harmful. This can cause the eyes to hurt, turn red, or produce a blurred field of vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another common sign of inflammation is increased tear production as your eyes try to soothe themselves. If you notice any loss of vision, it\u2019s important to get checked out as soon as possible. Behcet\u2019s syndrome can affect either the front or the rear of the eye (or both), which can produce similar vision loss. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If treated promptly, this loss in vision can often be temporary. However, if it progresses, permanent loss of vision can occur, which may be partial or progress to full blindness. If you\u2019ve had this symptom in the past, it\u2019s important to monitor it closely and seek medical attention if you start to notice inflammation occurring again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Arthritis <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation of the joints (which is known as arthritis) can set in as a result of Behcet\u2019s syndrome. This presents a lot like regular arthritis<\/a>, except it is more likely to affect the arms or legs than other parts of the body. The wrists and elbows are the most frequent location or soreness in the arms, while the ankles and knees are the most affected in the legs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike regular arthritis symptoms, you may notice areas of redness around the sore joints. Since Behcet\u2019s syndrome produces non-selective inflammation across regions of the body, you may be able to see the inflammation with your eyes while you feel it in your joints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since this condition can make you more likely to experience gastrointestinal side effects from usual NSAID treatments like ibuprofen, you may consider speaking with a medical professional before using classic over-the-counter treatments for arthritis symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Stomach Problems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned before, people with this condition often experience mouth sores, which can extend all the way to the back of the throat<\/a>. Unfortunately, the sores don\u2019t always end there. They can appear along nearly any part of the digestive tract, even as far as the anus. When appearing in these areas, these sores are known as ulcers and can present symptoms commonly found with other types of ulcers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stomach pain can be common, as can intolerance of spicy foods or hot (in temperature) foods or drinks. You may be more prone to vomiting, which may or may not include blood. Bloody stool or diarrhea can occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In more mild cases, you may experience a loss of appetite which can also lead to weight loss. Since it\u2019s hard to know if these problems are caused by an ulcer related to Behcet\u2019s disease, it\u2019s important to get a professional opinion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Problems with Blood Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Since Behcet\u2019s affects the circulatory system, common symptoms can include those related to blood flow, including decreased blood flow or pooling of blood due to the body\u2019s inability to circulate it back out of a region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the main complications involves blood clots<\/a>. If these form, they can restrict blood flow to a certain area and cause severe complications. It\u2019s possible for an arm or leg to begin to swell and\/or turn red. It may be very painful during this time and feel warm to the touch. This emergency situation can cause permanent damage or loss of a limb if not treated as quickly as possible.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More mild cases can still experience problems with the flow of blood. Cold hands or feet or problems maintaining a healthy color (skin that is more red or blue than usual) can be a sign that something is off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Breathing Issues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Compared to the symptoms listed already, respiratory problems are not quite as common but are still serious symptoms that you should watch out for. The presence of this symptom along with several of the other ones helps to narrow down the cause and makes a case for Behcet\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since inflammation can interfere with the way the lungs function, you may notice a loss of performance. More quickly running out of breath can happen, as can coughing or wheezing. Your heart rate may also increase more easily. When your lungs <\/a>are unable to take in adequate oxygen, your heart can try to compensate by pumping faster to move more blood, hopefully making up for the lack of oxygen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you find it harder to climb stairs or do daily tasks without getting winded, that can be a sign that Behcet\u2019s disease is affecting your body\u2019s ability to breathe. 
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9. Brain Inflammation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Patients with Behcet’s disease may experience issuers with brain activity and cognitive function. However, the mental effects of the disease are less likely to present in most cases. The inflammation of the blood vessels affects the meninges of the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meninges is the fibrous covering of the brain. When the person experiences inflammation <\/a>of the meninges, they start to notice cognitive problems as the swelling presses the brain against the inside of the skull; it increases intracranial pressure in the affected individual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brain swelling can be fatal in many cases or leave the patient brain-damaged. As a result, the patient must receive an immediate diagnosis and medical care if they develop the signs of brain inflammation associated with Behcet’s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the symptoms occurring due to the inflammation of the meninges include a stiff neck, difficulty in turning the head from side to side, headaches, a fever, and difficulty coordinating their body movement. In some cases, patients who don’t receive treatment may develop a stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Complications with Other Organs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The blood vessel<\/a> inflammation caused by Behcet’s disease affects many organs in the body, resulting in several complications in patients. Blood supply and circulation are critical for maintaining organ health, and disruption to the normal circulation of blood can impact organs like the kidneys and liver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient starts experiencing kidney pain, they may find that their urine turns a reddish tinge. This phenomenon occurs due to problems with the kidneys releasing proteins into the blood. The liver may also swell and become painful to touch. The liver holds the largest quantity of blood in the body, and the inflammation caused by Behcet’s can result in severe discomfort and pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In rare instances, the disease can affect the normal function of the aorta, increasing the chances of a life-threatening outcome in the patient. If you have a diagnosis of Behcet’s disease, consult with your doctor if you notice any signs of pain in your organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Risk Factors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with any disease, there are a set of risk factors<\/a> that make some people more prone to developing the disorder than others. If you have any history of auto-immune disease, like multiple sclerosis or lupus, you are at a higher risk of developing Behcet’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The disease seems to affect people of Asian and middle-eastern descent more than other ethnicities. Behcet’s is also more common in people between the age of 20 to 40, but it can occur in older or younger people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical science is at a loss to understand why Behcet’s affects some groups more than others. However, some experts believe the condition may have a hereditary influence. If you have parents or family members with the disease, the chances are that you are a high-risk case as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The genes HLA-B5 and HLA-B51 are more common in people suffering from the condition. Men are also at a higher risk for the development of Behcet’s than women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Diagnoses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medical science has a hard time diagnosing Behcet’s disease. There is no single test for the condition, and doctors will usually identify it when the patient experiences recurring sores in the mouth as the biggest indicator of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the patient may experience recurring sores in other regions like the genitals, skin, and eyes. Typically, the patient will experience recurrence of these sores three times a year. If the patient displays symptoms involving the sores appearing on multiple body parts at once, they will have an easy time accurately diagnosing Behcet’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the patient displays signs of ulcers or sores in multiple locations, the physician will run a simple pathergy test to check the immune system’s<\/a> function. The doctor performs the test by pricking the patient skin with a hypodermic needle. If a red bump occurs in the days following the test, the patient has a positive diagnosis for Behcet’s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The physician will also use a blood test to rule out other diseases, like lupus, that may cause the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Treatment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If the doctor determines Behcet’s to be the cause of the problems in the patient, they will start treatment for the condition. However, it’s important to note that it’s an auto-immune disorder, and there is no cure for Behcet’s, and the patient will have to manage their symptoms through ongoing treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, corticosteroids<\/a>, like prednisone, help manage the symptoms of the condition in patients. These medications help suppress the inflammation associated with the disease while minimizing the immune response causing the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colchicine (Colcrys\u00ae) can be beneficial for dealing with the effects of genital and mouth sores and joint pain associated with Behcet’s. In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe immune-suppressant drugs like azathioprine (Imuran\u00ae, Azasan\u00ae), or methotrexate (Trexall\u00ae, Rasuvo\u00ae), to treat the patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it’s important to note that these medications can expose the patient to infection from other pathogens. Apremilast (Otezla\u00ae) is an oral medication beneficial in treating the mouth sores caused by Behcet’s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Outlook<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, patients diagnosed with Behcet’s will experience long-term symptoms from the disease. Medical science is at a loss to understand why some patients struggle more with the condition than others and why some patients have a long-term outlook while others have the disease fade away in the short term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, Bechet’s disease is a long-term problem for patients, and it may come and go at will, regardless of the treatment. As a result, doctors may find it challenging to identify which treatments (drugs<\/a>) are working to control the situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most patients with Behcet’s disease will experience the symptoms on and off for the rest of their lives. However, with the right treatment, it’s possible for the patient to experience a minimal impact on their quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you experience any of the signs of Behcet’s, it’s critical to get medical attention as soon as possible to start your treatment. While the condition is chronic, most patients find that medication can help them deal with the effects of the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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