Have you heard about Behcet's disease?

Have you heard about Behcet’s disease? I think No but all of you become starlet to listen that we already have seen symptoms of this type of disease but don’t know the name.

Behcet’s disease is a rare disorder caused by blood vessel inflammation throughout the body, that’s why it is also known as Behcet’s syndrome. However, this disease can lead to various signs and symptoms that cannot relate at first, in this syndrome, can include mouth sores, eye inflammation, genital sores, and skin rashes and lesions.

Do you know? Behcet’s disease is also known as Silk Road disease because it is a chronic inflammatory condition (long-term), caused by vasculitis, which affects both arteries and veins.

Now the question arises that who gets Behcet’s disease

It is quite a shocking factor that Behcet’s disease can see all over the world but it is highly common in Northern Turkey with up to 420 cases per 100,000 people, and in the far East about 15 cases per 100,000 people. Although, it's not as common in the US about 7 cases per 100,000 people. Age factor does not depend on this syndrome that’s why it can develop at any age, though signs usually start to appear between the ages of 20 and 30. This disease affects men and women equally.

I know! all of you were thinking that how this disease affects and which area is more commonly affected. Certain areas are more commonly affected such as-

·       Mouth

As everyone knows, mouth sores are always painful that look like canker sores. It is the most common sign of Behcet’s disease. At initial, it raises, round lesions in the mouth that transform into painful ulcers quickly. However, sores usually heal for one to three weeks but with the time it recurs.

·       Skin

Most people develop acne-like sores on their bodies that develop red, raised and tender nodules on the skin, especially on the lower legs.

·       Genitals

Sores (red and open sores are usually painful) that can occur on the scrotum or the vulva. These sores usually leave scars.

·       Eyes

Uveitis (eye inflammation causes pain, redness and blurred vision, majorly in both eyes. People with Behcet’s disease are often affected because such conditions come and go.

·       Joints

Do you know? joint swelling and pain often affect the knees of people, especially those who suffer from Behcet’s disease? It involves the wrists, elbows and ankles.

·       Blood vessels

Inflammation in the veins and arteries causes pain, swelling and redness in the legs or arms as a result of blood clots. Do you know? that inflammation in the large arteries can bring complications i.e. narrowing or blockage of the vessel or aneurysms.  

·       Digestive system

Behcet’s disease affects the digestive system badly. Symptoms include bleeding, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

·       Brain

People with Behcet’s disease get inflammation in the brain and nervous system that can cause disorientation, headache, fever, poor balance or stroke.

 

Causes

It is an autoimmune disorder. I believe most people have awareness of this disorder because it is commonly found among our family, friends and relatives. Autoimmune disorder refers to the body’s immune system that mistakenly attacks some of its own healthy cells. In this disorder, environment and genetic factors play a major role. Is the same as Behcet’s syndrome caused by vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels. This condition includes all sizes of arteries and veins that damage the body.

Most researchers believe that virus or bacterium triggers Behcet’s disease in people who possess certain genes that can make them susceptible to Behcet’s. Yet, there is no clear evidence that suggests Behcet’s disease is an inherited disease or not. Most of the cases develop randomly without family linkup. However, it has been reported that there is a very less percentage of cases that occurs in the same family.

Diagnosis

Currently, there is no single laboratory test that can identify and diagnose Behcet’s disease. As we know, diagnosis is generally based on the symptoms of oral ulcers that come back again and again. Besides it, there are two more symptoms i.e. genital sores, skin problems, eye inflammation and a positive pathergy test (it is majorly performed to prick into the skin and then checks a red bum develops a few days later or not. In short, it is performed to test the functionality of the immune system).

However, there is no cure right now for this syndrome but there have some different drugs (i.e. corticosteroids, colchicine, other immunosuppressant drugs and oral medications) that support the management of symptoms. Treatment is given based on the severity of the condition. Healthcare professionals also suggest using several types of mouthwash, eye drops and skin ointments to control the disease and its symptoms before prescribing medication.

 

I request to everyone understand the severity of the disease. Be alert to their health issues otherwise, such ignorance can lead you to a severe situation.

Make healthy life by including good habits with a healthy lifestyle. It does not only keep you happy but also keeps your surroundings healthy.

Be happy!😊😊😊😊