What classification is there?

Vasculitides are divided into primary and secondary vasculitides. Primary vasculitides often occur spontaneously and have an unknown cause. They are further divided into vasculitides of the large, medium and small vessels.

There are also secondary vasculitides. They occur in the context of another disease, the autoimmune diseases, infections or tumors. They can also be caused by certain drugs.

Purpura Schönlein Henoch belongs to the group of vasculitides. It is characterized by an inflammation of the small vessels.Symptomatically, this is characterized above all by small bleedings into the skin and mucous membranes (so-called petechiae). In addition, cramp-like (colicky) abdominal pain and painfully swollen joints can also occur.

If the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract are affected, blood may be found in the urine or stool. Antibodies (proteins formed by the body against foreign substances) are deposited on the walls of the small vessels. This leads to a reaction of the immune system with an inflammation of the vessel wall.

As a result, the vessel wall is destroyed and the blood can escape into the surrounding connective tissue. This leads to the small bleedings (petechiae) in the skin. Purpura Schönlein Henoch occurs mainly in small children and school children.

An accumulation during the winter months is also observed. The exact cause is still unknown. It is conspicuous that there is an increased incidence a few weeks after a viral or bacterial infection.

It can also be triggered by medication. The disease is not contagious and usually heals by itself. The symptoms such as fever and pain are mainly treated.

Physical exertion should be avoided. Cortisone can be administered to slow down the inflammation. The disease can last four to six weeks in total.

Behcet’s disease is a very rare disease belonging to the group of vasculitides. The disease occurs more frequently in the Mediterranean region and Asia. It is also a familial disorder and is associated with the antigen HLA-B51.

The cause is still unknown. It is discussed that viral infections may be a possible trigger. It is characterized by an inflammation of the small vessels.

The eyes, skin and mucous membranes are particularly affected. Characteristic symptoms are aphtae (defective parts of the mucous membranes) in the mouth and genital area as well as an inflammation of the middle eye skin (uveitis). A high inflammation value is often observed during blood tests.

The general symptoms are mainly treated. Glucocorticoids (cortisone) and immunomodulators can also be used, both of which have an immunosuppressive effect. This reduces the function of the immune system.

Takayasu vasculitis is a special type of vasculitis. It manifests itself as inflammation of the abdominal artery (aorta) and its main branches (for example, the renal arteries). In addition, general symptoms such as fever, night sweats, malaise or weight loss can occur.

Narrowing of the lumen of the abdominal aorta can lead to a weakened pulse, a difference in blood pressure between the arms and legs, heart attacks and brain infarctions. Takayasu vasculitis is a very rare disease. The cause is still unknown. It occurs mainly in young women under 40 years of age. The disease is treated with drugs that reduce the function of the immune system, such as cortisone, and aspirin.