Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans: Symptoms and Causes

Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans is a rare condition that causes the blood vessels in the arms, legs, and toes to become inflamed. It makes it difficult for the blood to flow through the blood vessels. Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans might block circulation due to blood clots.

This can result in pain or tissue damage that usually begins in the fingers and toes and then spreads upwards.

Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans is common in countries where tobacco use is high.

What causes Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans?

The exact causes of Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans are not known, but it has been linked to tobacco use. It has been noticed that the disease is common in countries where tobacco use is high. The chemicals in tobacco might damage the blood vessel linings, which can lead to inflammation.

Genetics also plays a huge role, which might make some people more susceptible to it.

The immune system can worsen the condition by attacking healthy blood vessels.

Risk Factors of Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans

Some risk factors of Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans are mentioned below:

1. Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco can increase the risk of developing Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans.
2. Marijuana use: Long-term use may raise the risk of Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans or similar blood vessel problems, such as atherosclerosis.
3. Age: Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans commonly affects individuals aged between 20 and 45 years old.
4. Gender: Gender can play a role as well, because men are affected more often.
5. Gum infections: Chronic gum disease can play a role in being diagnosed with Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans, however, more research is needed on this front.

What are the Symptoms of Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans?

Buerger’s Disease symptoms develop slowly and affect the blood vessels. They include:

• Tingling, burning, or numbness in fingers or toes
• Pain in feet, ankles, or legs while walking or even at rest
• Sores or ulcers on fingers and toes that may be painful
• Fingers or toes may turn white, blue, or red (Raynaud’s syndrome)
• Changes in skin color or texture
• Muscle cramps and blood clots in the veins
• Gangrene may develop in severe cases

How is Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans Diagnosed?

Diagnosing Buerger’s Disease involves physical health checks, knowledge of the patient’s medical history, and some tests. Doctors usually do the following:

• Physical Exam – Check the hands, feet, and pulses for signs of poor blood flow.
• Medical History – Ask about smoking habits, which can help guide diagnosis.
• Conduct Tests – Conduct tests such as blood vessel tests, urine tests, ultrasound, Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI), CT Scan, Angiogram, and Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA).

Management/Prevention of Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans

The common factor between everyone who has been diagnosed with Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans is that they used tobacco. The best way to prevent or manage this Disease is to quit nicotine. Important steps that can be taken include:

• Stop smoking and using any tobacco products
• Avoid nicotine alternatives like patches or e-cigarettes.
• Stay away from marijuana, as it may also affect blood vessels.
• Seek help from healthcare providers for quitting strategies and support.

Upon noticing any symptoms of Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider immediately and schedule the necessary tests. To book a test, download the Dr Lal PathLabs app today!

FAQs

• What is Buerger’s Disease or Thromboangiitis Obliterans?
  Buerger’s Disease, or Thromboangiitis Obliterans, is an uncommon condition where the blood vessels in the arms, legs, and toes become inflamed. This inflammation can reduce blood flow, cause pain, tissue damage, and even lead to ulcers or gangrene in severe cases.
• What causes Buerger’s Disease?
  The exact cause is unknown, but tobacco use is the main factor. Chemicals in cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco can damage blood vessel linings, causing inflammation. Genetics and immune system responses may also increase susceptibility to the disease.
• What are the symptoms of Buerger’s Disease?
  The symptoms usually begin in the fingers and toes and include tingling, burning, numbness, pain in the legs or feet, sores, ulcers, skin color changes, muscle cramps, and sometimes blood clots. Severe cases may lead to gangrene. Raynaud’s syndrome is also common.
• What Disease turns the fingers black?
  Buerger’s Disease can cause fingers or toes to turn black in severe cases. This happens due to poor blood flow and tissue damage, which can lead to gangrene if untreated. Early diagnosis and stopping tobacco use are key to prevention.