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Schönlein-Henoch disease is an inflammation of the blood vessels caused by IgA antibodies, which build up in excess in the blood vessels and cause inflammation. Allergic purpura is the result of viruses, medications, or an insect bite.
Schönlein-Henoch disease – causes
Schönlein-Henoch disease is an autoimmune disease and the most common vascular disease. Most often it occurs immediately after or during the infection (most often respiratory tract infections – mainly streptococcal angina). However, it can happen in connection with the passing of smallpox, measles, rubella. The body begins to produce antibodies (IgA) which, together with the virus particles, build up in tiny blood vessels and cause inflammation. The permeability of the vascular walls increases and blood flows beyond their lumen. What is visible on the skin as spots, ecchymosis. The disease may last several days or weeks.
Schönlein-Henoch disease – symptoms
In the course of the Schönlein-Enoch disease, there are skin ecchymoses, spots, and bloody streaks. Most often they are located on the lower limbs (on the front surface), buttocks. They are painless, but sometimes some people may complain of itchy skin areas with bruises. Other symptoms are:
- joint pain and swelling (most often ankles, knees and elbows);
- diffuse abdominal pain (sometimes very severe, which may resemble the symptoms of an acute abdomen, seen, for example, in appendicitis); there may be blood in the stool; there may be gastrointestinal bleeding;
- headaches (resulting from inflammation of the vessels in the brain).
In the course of the disease, changes in the kidneys may occur (20% of cases). In 1% of patients with inflammation of the renal vessels, renal failure develops. If you have bleeding in Schönlein-Henoch disease, you may develop anemia. Then you may tire more easily and feel palpitations with little effort. However, in most cases, the body regenerates quickly after the symptoms have cleared. Intussusception requiring surgery is rare in younger children.
- Also read what is Degos’ disease
Schönlein-Henoch disease – treatment
As part of treatment, the doctor may advise the patient to limit physical activity and use painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. In more serious cases, it may be necessary to use steroids, heparin. Treatment is often carried out in a hospital and may last up to several weeks.
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