Bechet's Disease

Overview of Bechet's Disease

Bechet’s disease is a chronic disease that causes inflammation of veins and arteries. It can lead to multiple symptoms that may appear as unrelated but deep down all of them have the same cause. The damage to vessels causes mouth sores, skin rash, eye inflammation, genital sores, and lesions. 

Bachets’s disease can be managed through lifestyle changes and medication easily.

Bechet’s disease is named after a Turkish Dermatologist, Dr. Hulusi Bachet. 

Signs and Symptoms of Bechet's Disease

The symptoms of this disease vary from person to person. The symptoms can be from mild to severe depending on your overall health and which body part is affected. 

The earliest symptom of this disease is mouth sores. They may appear cancerous, but they heal within a few weeks. Genital sores are also common about Bechet’s disease patients. Some other affected areas are: 

  • Skin - acne-like sores and red, raised, and tender nodules on legs can also occur. 

  • Eyes - Inflammation on the eye which can lead to redness, swelling, pain, and blurred vision usually in both eyes. 

  • Joints - swelling and pain in joints of knees, elbows, ankles, or wrists. The pain may subside over time but can return after some time. 

  • Blood Vessels - Inflammation in veins and arteries can cause pain, swelling, and redness in arms or legs and can cause a blood clot. This blockage in blood vessels can lead to major complications. 

  • Digestive system - Bechet’s disease can lead to stomach issues including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding. 

  • Brain - inflammation of vessels in the brain can cause headaches, fever, poor balance, disorientation, and stroke

Types of Bechet's Disease

Causes of Bechet's Disease

Bechet’s disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system starts attacking the healthy cells mistakenly. Certain genes and environmental factors are closely associated with the incidence of this disease. 

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Risk Factors of Bechet's Disease
  • Age - usually people in their 20s - 30s are more susceptible to acquiring this disease. Although children and older adults can also fall prey to this disease. 
  • Demographics - this disease is more common among the people living in Middle Eastern and East Asian countries. 
  • Gender - this disease can affect both men and women but is it more common in men
  • Genes - having certain genes can make you more susceptible to this disease. 

Complications

 

Complications of Bechet’s disease depend upon the severity of this disease. In more severe cases it can lead to blindness and stroke. Eye inflammation and vision-related issues can cause blindness if not treated promptly. 

 

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Prevention

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Diagnosis

There is no single test for the diagnosis of this disease. One of the challenges for its diagnosis is that most of the symptoms are pretty common symptoms for other related diseases as well. Sores’ appearance frequency and possible rashes on the skin can lead to the diagnosis of this disease.

Treatment of Bechet's Disease | When to Consult a Doctor

Usually, Bachets’ disease is treated through anti-inflammatory drugs and some ointments for the sores and rashes. Certain lifestyle changes can help you lead a healthy life. Stress is a common trigger for many autoimmune diseases. Try not to take any stress, have a balanced diet, and do some physical activity to live a healthy life. 

In case you exhibit any concerning signs and symptoms for Bechet’s disease consult a certified rheumatologist as soon as possible.