A so-called collagenosis is a special autoimmune disease. In the context of an autoimmune disease, the body’s own tissue is seen by the immune system of the human body as a so-called foreign body.
What is collagenosis?
Collagenosis is considered by leading medical experts to be a serious disease of connective tissue. Because several organs may be affected at the same time in the course of collagenosis, different clinical pictures may develop as the disease progresses. Among other things, the so-called antiphospholipid syndrome is based on collagenosis. In this case, the immune system‘s defense against the body’s own tissue leads to increased blood clotting. In addition to the antiphospholipid syndrome, however, the so-called Sjögren’s syndrome is also mentioned as a typical clinical picture. In Sjögren’s syndrome, those affected primarily complain of painful and burning mucous membranes. The area around the eyes is particularly frequently affected.
Causes
To date, the causes of collagenosis have not been fully determined. However, leading medical experts see a strong connection between the occurrence of collagenosis as well as hereditary factors in those affected. Since women are particularly frequently affected by collagenosis, the hormonal balance of the human body, among other things, is the focus of medical experts in addition to hereditary factors. In addition to the factors already mentioned, a particularly high level of psychological stress can also trigger collagenosis. Extreme exposure to sunlight is also considered another potential cause of collagenosis. A viral-related disease is only considered to trigger collagenosis in very few cases. Diagnosis of collagenosis usually requires a prolonged stay in a clinic.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Collagenosis initially causes typical general symptoms such as fever and weight loss. Body temperature often remains elevated for a prolonged period, but rarely rises above 38.5 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, the fever leads to a feeling of illness. In addition to these general signs of illness, various syndromes such as Sjögren’s syndrome or antiphospholipid syndrome present themselves, which in turn are associated with various symptoms and complaints. In general, the so-called sicca symptomatology develops, in which there is dryness of the eyes and mouth, and in women vaginal dryness. The main symptom of collagenosis is Raynaud’s phenomenon. This involves the fingers turning blue and swelling before redness and eventual death. Associated with this are numbness, pain and paralysis. The symptoms may also affect the bones and joints, depending on the type and severity of the autoimmune disease. In severe cases, eczema and erythema also form on the hands and feet, occasionally also accompanied by pain and paresthesias. When systemic lupus erythematosus develops as part of collagenosis, skin changes also occur on the face. In addition, cysts form in the palate, and sun sensitivity of the skin occurs.
Diagnosis and course
As part of a comprehensive diagnosis, the collection of a blood sample is always the primary consideration. Provided that an initial suspicion of collagenosis arises during the examination of the blood in a laboratory, further investigations must be considered. Among other things, so-called imaging techniques are used to improve the diagnosis. For example, an initial suspicion can be substantiated by means of an X-ray of the thorax. The X-ray should always be taken in two planes. Thus, optimal results can be achieved by positioning the radiation source behind the thorax as well as positioning the radiation source next to the thorax. Another imaging technique used is an ultrasound examination of the lungs. In the course of this examination, the heart is also subjected to a comprehensive assessment. If there are any abnormalities in the lungs, for example, a pulmonary function test is considered in most cases. If the nervous system is already affected by collagenosis, an assessment by a neurologist must be initiated.
Complications
Collagenosis is a relatively serious disease. This extremely restricts the quality of life and everyday life of the affected person. In most cases, it results in complaints in various organs and also in the nervous system. The exact course of the disease depends on the organs affected, so that a general prediction is not possible in most cases. If necessary, a transplantation is required so that the affected person can continue to survive. Similarly, paralysis and various sensory disturbances may occur over the entire body, making everyday life difficult. It is not uncommon for sufferers to also experience severe pain, which can lead to irritability and psychological discomfort. In the treatment of collagenosis, there are usually no particular problems or complications. However, a positive course of the disease cannot be guaranteed in every case. The treatment itself is carried out with the help of medications and can limit the sufferers. Furthermore, some affected persons suffer from so-called phantom pain, which also leads to a reduction in the quality of life. Life expectancy is usually not reduced by collagenosis.
When should you see a doctor?
If symptoms such as a dry mouth or joint pain are noticed, there may be a serious underlying condition that needs to be clarified. Medical advice is necessary if symptoms and discomfort increase or have not subsided after one week at the latest. If further health problems develop, such as persistent fatigue or water retention in the hands, it is best to consult the family doctor immediately. Affected persons should have the above-mentioned complaints clarified quickly so that possible collagenosis can be detected at an early stage. If the disease causes severe pain or even psychological problems, the sufferer must immediately inform the doctor, who may initiate further therapy and consult a psychologist. Collagenosis mainly affects women. People who are under stress or have a hormonal disorder are also among the risk groups and should inform the general practitioner of any unusual symptoms. In addition to the general practitioner, an internist can be consulted. The individual complaints are to be treated by different specialists. In the late stages, the disease must be treated in hospital.
Treatment and therapy
To alleviate the individual symptoms, therapy tailored to the patient is essential. In terms of selecting an appropriate therapeutic method, it is essential to identify the organs involved in collagenosis. Patients who suffer from collagenosis without any organs being involved, for example, should primarily be treated symptomatically. Thus, in consultation with the treating physicians, a drug therapy is usually initiated. In addition, regular monitoring by a physician is recommended as part of this form of therapy. If individual organs have been attacked in the course of the disease, immunosuppressive treatment should be carried out. Within the framework of immunosuppressive treatment, individual processes of the immune system are suppressed. The immune system’s defenses are thus turned off. Cortisone is therefore often used at the beginning of the therapy.
Outlook and prognosis
Collagenosis is an autoimmune, inflammatory soft-tissue rheumatism. The various forms of collagenosis have a good prognosis but are not curable. Living with this autoimmune disease takes the patient permanently through periods of various localized inflammation, pain and discomfort but also through relatively pain-free periods. These are also called active and inactive phases of the disease. The severity of pain symptoms varies. Mild, moderate to severe pain can occur, characterized by temporal episodes. The goal with regard to the existing prognosis for collagenosis is to treat the pain symptoms in such a way that the patient can live as symptom-free as possible. The use of pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs is therefore individually tailored by the physician to the patient and the specific symptoms.Patients with collagenosis must undergo regular medical check-ups throughout their lives in order to detect and prevent consequential damage and health changes due to various inflammatory foci in good time. In the case of intensive relapses with severe pain complaints or organic impairments, the doctor should also be consulted. It is possible that the pain medication will then be adapted to the temporary relapse.
Prevention
Because the causes of collagenosis have not been clearly identified to date, no specific recommendation for prevention can be made. Thus, only the symptoms associated with the disease can be alleviated. If the individual symptoms are not treated, so-called phantom pain may occur. The so-called phantom pain always leads to a permanent symptomatology, although the underlying disease has already been cured.
Follow-up
The person affected by collagenosis usually has very few or even no special options for aftercare, since this disease usually cannot be completely cured either. However, since it is not possible for the disease to heal itself, the person affected by collagenosis should see a doctor at the first signs and symptoms of the disease in order to prevent the occurrence of further complications or a further worsening of the symptoms. As a rule, early diagnosis always has a very positive effect on the further course of the disease. Most patients with this disease are dependent on taking medication to protect the internal organs from the symptoms and to prevent other complications. In this case, the doctor’s instructions should always be followed, and questions or side effects should always be discussed with the doctor first. Patients with collagenosis should also protect themselves especially well against infections or other diseases, as the immune system is significantly weakened. The help and care of the affected person by his own family can also be very helpful in this disease and prevent possible psychological discomfort.
This is what you can do yourself
Since the causes of collagenosis have not been sufficiently researched, no comprehensive measures for self-help can be given. The disease represents a serious interference in the lifestyle of the affected person. Therefore, it is especially important to pay attention to a stable psyche. Positive thinking is helpful in everyday coping with the disease. Various activities to improve well-being should be pursued in a targeted manner. Variety and life-affirming leisure activities are recommended. A reliable social environment is beneficial in coping with daily challenges. Therefore, contacts should be cultivated and withdrawal behavior should be avoided. A healthy lifestyle is beneficial. This includes a balanced diet rich in vitamins and sufficient exercise. Physical activities should be adapted to the current possibilities. Excessive demands should always be avoided. The consumption of alcohol, drugs or medication not agreed with the attending physician should be avoided. Optimal sleep hygiene is necessary for restful sleep. The conditions should therefore be checked and adapted to individual requirements. For many sufferers, an exchange with other sufferers is very helpful and is perceived as pleasant. In self-help groups or in forums, an exchange with other people can be cultivated. Trusting discussions are held and mutual assistance is given.
