Buerger Disease(Thromboangiitis Obliterans)
by
Rebecca J. Stahl, MA DefinitionBuerger disease is inflammation of the blood vessels. This condition mainly affects the vessels in the hands and feet. Inflammation and blood clots can form and block blood flow. This leads to pain, tissue damage, and even tissue death. CausesThe exact cause is not known. Risk FactorsBuerger disease is linked to tobacco use. This includes smoking cigarettes, using chewing tobacco, smoking cigars, or using any other type of tobacco. It's more common in:
Buerger disease is not common in the US. SymptomsPoor blood flow causes problems. It usually starts in the hands and feet, causing:
Buerger disease can lead to swelling under the skin, sores, and ulcers. The most serious complication is tissue death ( gangrene). Gangrene causes skin in the hands and feet to turn black.
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Buerger disease is hard to diagnose because it’s similar to other health conditions. You may have:
TreatmentThis first thing you’ll have to do is quit smoking. This can help to lower the chances the disease will worsen. Your doctor will help you find the best way for you to quit. Other treatments:
Amputation may be needed to remove dead tissue in those with severe disease. People who continue to smoke are at a greater risk of amputation. PreventionThe best way to prevent Buerger disease is to not use tobacco products. RESOURCES:National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov Vasculitis Foundation https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Health Canada https://www.canada.ca When it Hurts to Move—Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation https://whenithurtstomove.org References:Buerger’s disease. The Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center website. Available at:
https://www.hopkinsvasculitis.org/types-vasculitis/buergers-disease. Accessed July 10, 2018. Buerger’s disease. Vasculitis Foundation website. Available at:
https://www.vasculitisfoundation.org/education/forms/buergers-disease. Updated September 2012. Accessed July 10, 2018. Buerger’s disease (thromboangitis obliterans). UC Davis Health System website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed July 10, 2018. Smoking and Buerger's disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/buergers-disease.html. Updated March 22, 2018. Accessed July 10, 2018.
Thromboangiitis obliterans. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed...
. Updated December 12, 2017. Accessed July 10, 2018.
Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 7/10/2018 |
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