Description A disease of the sm...
Description
A disease of the small arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to the fingers, toes and nose. The arteries narrow when exposed to cold temperature. This decreases blood flow to the affected body part causing it to turn white and blue. The arteries then widen, blood flow returns and the area turns red and throbs. In severe cases the decreased blood flow can cause ulcers and death of the tissue. There are two types of Raynaud's: primary and secondary. Primary Raynaud's occurs without any other associated diseases. Secondary Raynaud's, also called Raynaud's phenomenon, is caused by another disease usually an auto- immune disorder such as lupus, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis. The cause of primary Raynaud's is not known but it is more common in women and in people from cold climates.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary but include: cold fingers and toes, white to blue skin discoloration when exposed to cold, numbness when exposed to cold. When circulation returns patients experience pins and needles, swelling, throbbing, and redness.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The healthcare provider may perform a simple test called a cold-stimulation test. This test involves placing the hands in cool water or exposing to cold air, to trigger an episode of Raynaud's. If there is a suspicion of secondary Raynaud's other tests may be done to diagnose the disease.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The healthcare provider may perform a simple test called a cold-stimulation test. This test involves placing the hands in cool water or exposing to cold air, to trigger an episode of Raynaud's. If there is a suspicion of secondary Raynaud's other tests may be done to diagnose the disease.
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Avoiding cold exposure to the affected body part is all that is needed in some patients. Medications are sometimes used including: nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine (Plendil), prazosin (Minipress), doxazosin (Cardura), and nitroglycerin. Surgery or injections to reduce the activity of sympathetic nerves can be performed in severe cases. Patients with Raynaud's should avoid over the counter pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Chlor-Trimeton, Sudafed) which is present in many cold remedies, beta blocker medications, and birth control pills.