What Is Raynaud's Disease?
Article Sources
- 1. Fava, A., & Boin, F. (1970, January 01). Historical Perspective of Raynaud's Phenomenon. Retrieved September 02, 2020, from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4939-1526-2_1
- 2. Hansen-Dispenza, H., MD. (2019, November 02). Raynaud Phenomenon: Practice Essentials,Pathophysiology, Etiology. Retrieved 2020, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/331197-overview#a5
- 3. Goudry, B., Bell, L., Langtree, M., & Moorthy, A. (2012). Diagnosis and management of Raynaud’s phenomenon. BMJ, 344, 37-42. doi:10.1136/bmj.e289
3. Disease Process
Understanding the underlying mechanism for any disease is vital to develop the appropriate way to treat it. Raynaud’s phenomenon is barely a new condition, and many years of research have gone by. However, the disease process for both types of phenomenon remains poorly understood. In Raynaud’s phenomenon intermittent narrowing of blood vessels of the extremities, also known as vasospasms, cause color and temperature changes in the skin of one or more body parts. This usually manifests in three stages and it is usually symmetric or bilateral (primary disease). However, all of the stages don’t have to be present to be diagnosed as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
It is believed that all of this happens because of complex alterations in the walls of blood vessels. In primary Raynaud’s disease they are believed to be functional, while in secondary Raynaud’s disease, structural alterations are more important. If you or a family member exhibit similar changes in any part of the body do not self- diagnose. Refer to your healthcare provider for diagnosis, since other important diseases that can cause similar symptoms must be ruled out (i.e. vasculitis or thrombosis).
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