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Vasculitis

Vasculitis means inflammation of the blood vessels.

Inflammation is your immune system's natural response to injury or infection. It causes swelling and can help the body deal with invading germs.

But in vasculitis, for some reason the immune system attacks healthy blood vessels, causing them to become swollen and narrow.

This may be triggered by an infection or a medicine, although often the cause is unknown.

Vasculitis can range from a minor problem that just affects the skin, to a more serious illness that causes problems with organs like the heart or kidneys.

There are many types of vasculitis. The rest of this page discusses a range of potential causes.

Coronavirus advice

Get advice about coronavirus and vasculitis from Vasculitis UK

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Churg-Strauss syndrome)

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis, also called Churg-Strauss syndrome, is a type of vasculitis that mainly affects adults aged 30 to 45.

It can cause:

  • asthma
  • cold-like symptoms caused by allergies (allergic rhinitis)
  • a high temperature of 38C or above
  • muscle and joint pain
  • tiredness
  • loss of appetite and weight loss

It can also affect the nerves, causing weakness, pins and needles or numbness, and sometimes damages the kidneys or heart muscle.

It's usually treated with steroid medicine.

The Vasculitis UK website has more information about eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis)

Giant cell arteritis is a type of vasculitis that often affects the arteries in the head and neck. 

It mostly occurs in adults over the age of 50.

It's sometimes called temporal arteritis because the arteries around the temples are often affected.

It can cause:

  • aching and soreness around the temples
  • jaw muscle pain while eating
  • headaches
  • double vision or vision loss

It also commonly occurs alongside polymyalgia rheumatica.

The main treatment is steroid medicine. 

Find out more about giant cell arteritis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis) 

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, also called Wegener's granulomatosis, is a type of vasculitis that mainly affects blood vessels in the nose, sinuses, ears, lungs and kidneys.

It mainly affects middle-aged or elderly people.

It can cause:

  • a high temperature
  • night sweats
  • inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis)
  • nosebleeds and crusting of the nose
  • shortness of breath and coughing up blood
  • kidney problems

It's a serious condition that can be fatal if left untreated, as it can lead to organ failure.

It's usually treated with steroid medicine or other medicines that reduce the activity of the immune system.

Find out more about granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a rare type of vasculitis that usually occurs in children and can affect the skin, kidneys or bowel.

It's thought to be triggered by the body reacting to an infection.

It can cause:

  • a rash that looks like small bruises or reddish-purple spots
  • joint pain
  • tummy (abdominal) pain
  • diarrhoea
  • being sick
  • blood in urine or poo

It's not usually serious and tends to get better without treatment.

Find out more about Henoch-Schönlein purpura

Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease is a condition that mainly affects children under the age of 5.

The characteristic symptoms are a high temperature that lasts for 5 days or more, with:

  • a rash
  • swollen glands in the neck
  • dry, cracked lips
  • red fingers or toes
  • red eyes

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), a solution of antibodies, and aspirin are the 2 main medicines used to treat Kawasaki disease.

Aspirin is not usually recommended for children under 16, so do not give aspirin to your child unless advised to by their doctor.

Find out more about Kawasaki disease

Microscopic polyangiitis

Microscopic polyangiitis is a rare and potentially serious long-term type of vasculitis that most often develops in middle-aged people.

It can affect any organ, but particularly affects the lungs, kidneys and nerves.

It can cause:

  • a rash
  • shortness of breath and coughing up blood
  • red and sore eyes
  • pins and needles or numbness
  • kidney problems

It's usually treated with steroid medicine or other medicines that reduce the activity of the immune system.

The Vasculitis UK website has more information about microscopic polyangiitis.

Polyarteritis nodosa

Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare type of vasculitis that particularly affects the arteries supplying the gut, kidneys and nerves.

It tends to develop in childhood or in middle-aged people.

It can sometimes be triggered by an infection, such as hepatitis B, but the exact cause is uncertain.

It can cause:

  • muscle and joint pain
  • tummy (abdominal) pain, particularly after eating
  • a rash
  • pins and needles or numbness
  • bleeding and ulcers in the gut

It can be very serious if not treated. The main treatment is steroid medicine, and sometimes other medicines that reduce the activity of the immune system.

The Vasculitis UK website has more information about polyarteritis nodosa.

Polymyalgia rheumatica 

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a type of vasculitis that's closely related to giant cell arteritis. 

It mostly occurs in adults over 50 and is more common in women than men.

It can cause:

  • pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips, which is often worse after waking up
  • a high temperature
  • extreme tiredness
  • loss of appetite and weight loss
  • depression

The main treatment is steroid medicine, which is usually used in lower doses than for giant cell arteritis. 

Find out more about polymyalgia rheumatica

Takayasu arteritis

Takayasu arteritis is a type of vasculitis that mainly affects young women. It's very rare in the UK.

It affects the main artery from the heart, as well as the major arteries branching off it.

It can cause:

  • extreme tiredness
  • a high temperature
  • weight loss
  • muscle and joint pain
  • dizziness
  • shortness of breath
  • painful, numb or cold limbs

Treatment is usually with steroid medicine.

The Vasculitis UK website has more information about Takayasu arteritis.

Other types of vasculitis 

Behçet's disease

Behçet's disease typically causes mouth ulcers and genital ulcers, and is more common in people from Greece, Turkey, the Middle East, China and Japan.

Buerger's disease

Buerger's disease affects blood vessels in the legs and arms, leading to reduced blood flow to the hands and feet. It's closely linked to smoking.

Cogan's syndrome

Cogan's syndrome is inflammation of the blood vessels in the inner ears and eyes.

Cryoglobulin-associated vasculitis

Cryoglobulin-associated vasculitis is associated with proteins in the blood called cryoglobulins and can occur after a hepatitis C infection.

It causes a rash on the lower limbs, joint pain, nerve damage, tummy (abdominal) pain and kidney problems.

Hypersensitivity vasculitis

Hypersensitivity vasculitis is usually caused by a reaction to a medicine, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or certain antibiotics, and results in a temporary rash.

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system

Primary angiitis of the central nervous system is inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain.

Rheumatoid vasculitis

Rheumatoid vasculitis is vasculitis associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

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2,982 public posts

Rituximab and pregnancy

GPA vasculitis
GPA vasculitis
rrahman
in Vasculitis UK

Rituxuban

I have PAN vasculitis. Thanks x
I have PAN vasculitis. Thanks x
Daytek
in Vasculitis UK

Vasculitis and COVID Vaccine

Hi everybody, we are now further down the road regarding vaccinations from my last post on the subject, however I am still having difficulty finding information regarding if those of us on immune suppressants can have a COVID jab. I say this because I have heard Doctors saying if you are offered the
Hi everybody, we are now further down the road regarding vaccinations from my last post on the subject, however I am still having difficulty finding information regarding if those of us on immune suppressants can have a COVID jab. I say this because I have heard Doctors saying if you are offered the
Investigator1
in Vasculitis UK
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Shielding

Hi I was diagnosed with cerebral vasculitis 14 years ago. At that time I became quite poorly and had steroids infused every 12 weeks over 3 days. I do still take medication but have not had to have steroids for a while now. I have been told that I am stable now and I’m doing well.
Hi I was diagnosed with cerebral vasculitis 14 years ago. At that time I became quite poorly and had steroids infused every 12 weeks over 3 days. I do still take medication but have not had to have steroids for a while now. I have been told that I am stable now and I’m doing well.
blackgolf
in Vasculitis UK

Help develop a testing tool

EULAR and ARC are conducting research to develop a tool for determining the efficiency of treatments for patients with Vasculitis.
EULAR and ARC are conducting research to develop a tool for determining the efficiency of treatments for patients with Vasculitis.
Suzym2uVasculitis UK
in Vasculitis UK

Recently Diagnosed with CNS Vasculitis

Hello, Im new to this group and have recently been diagnosed in the last year with various forms of vasculitis, CNS and systemic, I am just learning to accept this and finding it very hard for the whole family if anyone has any advice that would be great especially for my little ones who are 8 & 10
Hello, Im new to this group and have recently been diagnosed in the last year with various forms of vasculitis, CNS and systemic, I am just learning to accept this and finding it very hard for the whole family if anyone has any advice that would be great especially for my little ones who are 8 & 10
NataliePhillips123
in Vasculitis UK

It was the very first World Vasculitis Day, today, 15th May 2020

World Vasculitis Day Friday 15th May 2020 is the first ever WORLD VASCULITIS DAY. Today marks the first World Vasculitis Day, launched with a special edition of Rare Revolution magazine, dedicated to promoting the voice of the ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) global community.
World Vasculitis Day Friday 15th May 2020 is the first ever WORLD VASCULITIS DAY. Today marks the first World Vasculitis Day, launched with a special edition of Rare Revolution magazine, dedicated to promoting the voice of the ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) global community.
Suzym2uVasculitis UK
in Vasculitis UK

Vasculitis lesions

Vasculitis lesions has been missed off my my last 2 write ups to by rheumatology although I always have this problem ? Should I contact the helpline . ? I have a pending steroid injection this week to try and calm down my painful joints .
Vasculitis lesions has been missed off my my last 2 write ups to by rheumatology although I always have this problem ? Should I contact the helpline . ? I have a pending steroid injection this week to try and calm down my painful joints .
Willow1414
in LUPUS UK

Help with exercising with GPA.

I thought, and I have seen on this site, that there are advocates for exercise as reducing the effects from vasculitis; I think a study was even done about the benefits of it.
I thought, and I have seen on this site, that there are advocates for exercise as reducing the effects from vasculitis; I think a study was even done about the benefits of it.
Tbrz
in Vasculitis UK

Immune system

I was diagnosed with anca vasculitis mpa in May 2017. I had the steroid cyclophosphamide treatment for six months than two years of azithioprene. I am not on any vasculitis meds now and was wondering if my immune system is still compromised.
I was diagnosed with anca vasculitis mpa in May 2017. I had the steroid cyclophosphamide treatment for six months than two years of azithioprene. I am not on any vasculitis meds now and was wondering if my immune system is still compromised.
Retire3603
in Vasculitis UK

Cyclophosphamide

Hi I am Vasculitis. Peripheral Neuropathy, and Auto Immune Encephalitis My Immunologist and Neurologist put me on Cyclophosphamide for two years and without this I wouldn’t be here as well as I am today. It can be tablet or via infusion.
Hi I am Vasculitis. Peripheral Neuropathy, and Auto Immune Encephalitis My Immunologist and Neurologist put me on Cyclophosphamide for two years and without this I wouldn’t be here as well as I am today. It can be tablet or via infusion.
Vrainbird
in Vasculitis UK

Corona virus

I have Vasculitis GPA I am on methotrexate I have high blood pressure. On Vasculitis site it says for having GPA I should be high risk and looked on NHS site its not clear that I am. I also suffer with my nerves and i am very concerned about my position. Thank you in advance
I have Vasculitis GPA I am on methotrexate I have high blood pressure. On Vasculitis site it says for having GPA I should be high risk and looked on NHS site its not clear that I am. I also suffer with my nerves and i am very concerned about my position. Thank you in advance
buster1502
in Vasculitis UK

Anca vasculitis

Hi, I have anca vasculitis which started with a rash on my legs and arms in 2018 and now it has progressed and now have it in my lungs, on a high dosage of prednisone, 2 weeks of 60mg and now reduced to 40mg, until the doctors start me on other meds, Have been offered to do a trial if I qualify using
Hi, I have anca vasculitis which started with a rash on my legs and arms in 2018 and now it has progressed and now have it in my lungs, on a high dosage of prednisone, 2 weeks of 60mg and now reduced to 40mg, until the doctors start me on other meds, Have been offered to do a trial if I qualify using
Cookyboy1
in Vasculitis UK

Your help is needed

We are looking for people from the UK who have ANCA Vasculitis and have personal experience of plasma exchange and/or dialysis. This is to help an international research study led by researchers in Canada.
We are looking for people from the UK who have ANCA Vasculitis and have personal experience of plasma exchange and/or dialysis. This is to help an international research study led by researchers in Canada.
John_MillsVasculitis UK
in Vasculitis UK

Vasculitis and immunosuppressants

I imagine a lot of people with vasculitis will be asking the same question. I wonder if anyone else has asked their supervising doctors this question and if so what their response has been?
I imagine a lot of people with vasculitis will be asking the same question. I wonder if anyone else has asked their supervising doctors this question and if so what their response has been?
MAC12
in Vasculitis UK

Mpa vasculitis

Hi all. I’ve recently been diagnosed with mpa after months of ilness and testing. Has anyone had eye problems and what other symptoms have you experienced? I currently have terrible trembling which is driving me mad. Is this down to steroids or cyclophosphamide? Thanks
Hi all. I’ve recently been diagnosed with mpa after months of ilness and testing. Has anyone had eye problems and what other symptoms have you experienced? I currently have terrible trembling which is driving me mad. Is this down to steroids or cyclophosphamide? Thanks
Johnnyboy66
in Vasculitis UK

Vasculitis chest probs

Hi had my first infusion of rituximab days ago, not expecting miricles but was wondering why I still have a husky voice and feel as though when I get like that (which is quite often) there's a need to clear flem from my throat, can anyone explain this please, lve done a peek test and am reaching 450,
Hi had my first infusion of rituximab days ago, not expecting miricles but was wondering why I still have a husky voice and feel as though when I get like that (which is quite often) there's a need to clear flem from my throat, can anyone explain this please, lve done a peek test and am reaching 450,
Cookyboy1
in Vasculitis UK

Your help is needed - Neuropathy Study

They need your help please https://www.vasculitis.org.uk/news/research-survey-neuropathy-in-vasculitis? https://www.vasculitis.org.uk/news/research-survey-neuropathy-in-vasculitis?fbclid=IwAR07Nvs02RwKDucwKNBFg2mvMIxbxy5Z1VM-MGaEc6fYEBmdXNpaZNMSbOI
They need your help please https://www.vasculitis.org.uk/news/research-survey-neuropathy-in-vasculitis? https://www.vasculitis.org.uk/news/research-survey-neuropathy-in-vasculitis?fbclid=IwAR07Nvs02RwKDucwKNBFg2mvMIxbxy5Z1VM-MGaEc6fYEBmdXNpaZNMSbOI
John_MillsVasculitis UK
in Vasculitis UK

High risk or not with cerebral vasculitis and the virus

Hi my husband had cerebral vasculitis nearly 7 years ago. He has not been on any drugs for a few years now, but did start getting seizures about 2 years ago. He is on meds for high blood pressure and seizures. Would he be in the high risk category now?
Hi my husband had cerebral vasculitis nearly 7 years ago. He has not been on any drugs for a few years now, but did start getting seizures about 2 years ago. He is on meds for high blood pressure and seizures. Would he be in the high risk category now?
Simmonds797
in Vasculitis UK

COVID19 Vaccination Information for Vasculitis Patients

for vasculitis patients.
for vasculitis patients.
John_MillsVasculitis UK
in Vasculitis UK
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