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Collagenosis is the name of a group of connective tissue diseases that cause degenerative changes in it. Collagen diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic vasculitis. Collagen diseases most often affect the skin and joints.
The causes of collagen diseases
Collagen diseases are autoimmune diseases also called autoimmune diseases. In their case, the cells of the immune system attack the body’s own tissues, mistakenly recognizing it as an “enemy” that needs to be fought and eliminated.
The reasons for this behavior of cells of the immune system (white blood cells) are as yet unknown. It is likely that there is a combination of genetic conditions, disturbances in the functioning of regulatory T lymphocytes, hormonal problems (for example fluctuations in the level of estrogens and androgens) and previous viral infections, taking immunogenic drugs and immunization.
Symptoms of collagen diseases
Depending on the type of collagenosis, the following symptoms appear:
- For rheumatoid arthritis: swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints. These symptoms worsen in the morning after waking up. The joints become sensitive to pressure, their mobility is limited, and in the final stage they become deformed. You may experience increased temperature, weakness and weight loss.
- In juvenile idiopathic arthritis, also known as Still’s disease, symptoms include inflammation of 1 to 4 joints, such as the knees, ankles, fingers and toes, wrists, elbows or hips. Most arthritis and chronic uveitis develop in the polyarticular form of this disease. In the vascular form of Still’s disease there is a fever that increases in the evening, and in the morning the temperature drops below normal, rash, inflammation of joints and internal organs. Myocarditis, pericarditis, pneumonia and pleurisy are possible.
- With systemic lupus erythematosus, a butterfly-shaped erythema appears on the face or other parts of the body. It is accompanied by pain and swelling in the joints and alopecia. There is also paroxysmal spasm of the distal arteries of the hand – the so-called Raynaud’s phenomenon. Symptoms can also include fever, weight loss, and general weakness.
- In the case of erythema nodosum, red, hard and painful nodules appear on the patient’s skin. In addition to this symptom, the patient has an elevated temperature, joint pain, abdominal pain and cough.
- Symptoms of antiphospholipid syndrome include thrombosis, joint pain, skin lesions, leg ulceration and necrotic changes on the fingers.
- In the case of collagenosis called systemic sclerosis, parchment-like, tight, glowing and hardened skin appears on the face, chest and hands. This is accompanied by Raynaud’s phenomenon and symptoms of arthritis such as swelling and pain. The patient also has trouble swallowing.
- With collagen diseases affecting skeletal muscles, muscle weakness appears in the area of the shoulder and hip girdles as well as in the arms, thighs and neck, inflammatory infiltrates and pathological changes around the muscle bundles. There are also skin changes (erythema) on the face, neckline, neck and shoulders, as well as on the thighs and hips.
Treatment methods for various types of collagen diseases
The treatment of collagenosis depends on the type of disease.
In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, drugs are used to soothe ailments and inhibit the degradation of the joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are also helpful. It is also treated with physical therapy and a proper diet.
For juvenile idiopathic arthritis, treatment includes glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and physiotherapy. In some cases, surgery is necessary.
In systemic lupus erythematosus, the patient receives non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-malarial drugs.
Erythema nodosum is treated with antibiotics (if the disease is caused by bacteria), compresses and lubricating the affected areas with ointments.
With antiphospholipid syndrome, patients are administered anticoagulants. The patient’s plasma is also purified from unnecessary components by means of plasmapheresis. The patient also receives oral cyclophosphamide and intravenous heparin and immunoglobulins.
In the case of a collagen disease called systemic sclerosis, vasodilators and immunosuppressants are given.
In the case of collagen diseases affecting skeletal muscles, treatment involves the use of glucocorticosteroids and immunosuppressants.
In the case of too little collagen in the body, it is worth using Collagen, which can be purchased in various forms and flavors at Medonet Market.