Prevent, alleviate, or heal disease—naturally.
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Vasculitis is a term for a group of rare diseases that have in common inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can cause the walls of the vessels to thicken, which can restrict blood flow and lead to organ and tissue damage. While it can affect anyone, its prevalence varies widely depending on the specific type of vasculitis. Because the symptoms can be severe and lead to significant health issues, understanding vasculitis and exploring all treatment avenues, including natural and functional medicine approaches, is essential.
The exact causes of vasculitis are not fully understood, but it's thought to involve an abnormal response of the immune system. In many cases, it occurs as an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the blood vessel walls. Other potential triggers can include infections, certain medications, and diseases that affect blood cells. Environmental factors, genetics, and lifestyle choices might also play a role in the development of vasculitis.
Vasculitis symptoms can vary greatly depending on the organs affected and the severity of the inflammation. However, common signs include: - Fever - Fatigue - Weight loss - Muscle and joint pain - Skin rashes or bruises - Nerve problems, such as numbness or weakness - Headaches - Abdominal pain or blood in the stool - Shortness of breath or cough
Diagnosing vasculitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory testing, imaging studies, and sometimes biopsy. Blood tests can show signs of inflammation, and imaging tests like MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds can visualize blood vessel inflammation and organ involvement. A biopsy, involving taking a small tissue sample from the affected vessel or organ, is often critical for confirming the diagnosis and determining the type of vasculitis.
Preventing vasculitis largely focuses on reducing risk factors and managing underlying conditions that might trigger an autoimmune response. Since the exact causes of vasculitis are not completely understood, prevention can be challenging but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing autoimmune diseases or infections might help reduce risks. Treatment of vasculitis traditionally involves medications to control the inflammation and suppress the immune system, like corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. However, functional medicine offers additional perspectives by focusing on the underlying causes and utilizing natural treatments alongside conventional therapies. Dietary changes can be effective in reducing inflammation. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support the immune system and reduce the symptoms. Supplements such as fish oil, turmeric, and vitamin D might also help due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Stress reduction techniques, adequate sleep, and regular exercise contribute to overall health and might help manage vasculitis symptoms. Lastly, avoiding known triggers, such as certain medications or infections, is crucial. Regular monitoring and a personalized approach to treatment, which may include both conventional and natural therapies, can help manage the condition effectively. Collaboration with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in both functional medicine and vasculitis is key to creating a comprehensive treatment plan.