Behcet’s Disease – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Behcet’s disease is a rare condition that inflames blood vessels in the body. This disorder affects many body parts, causing symptoms like mouth and genital sores, skin rashes, and eye inflammation.
These symptoms might seem unrelated at first, making diagnosis challenging.
The causes of Behcet’s disease remain unclear, though both genetic and environmental factors likely play a role. While no cure exists, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing serious complications such as vision loss.
Key symptoms include:
- Painful mouth sores
- Eye inflammation
- Skin lesions
- Genital sores
Medical treatment typically involves medications that reduce inflammation and control the immune system response. Regular check-ups help monitor the condition and adjust treatment as needed.
Signs and Symptoms
People with Behcet’s disease experience symptoms that vary widely from person to person. These symptoms often come and go, sometimes becoming less severe over time. The disease can affect many different parts of the body.
Mouth problems are very common with Behcet’s disease. Round, raised sores appear in the mouth and quickly become painful ulcers. These sores look like canker sores and usually heal within one to three weeks, though they tend to return.
Skin issues may include acne-like sores on various body parts. Some people develop red, raised nodules that are tender to touch, especially on the lower legs.
Genital sores can be quite painful. Red, open ulcers may appear on the scrotum or vulva and can leave scars after healing.
Eye inflammation (uveitis) causes:
- Redness
- Pain
- Blurred vision
This inflammation typically affects both eyes and may come and go over time.
Joint problems often affect the knees, causing:
- Swelling
- Pain
- Stiffness
The ankles, elbows, and wrists may also be affected. These symptoms typically last one to three weeks before disappearing on their own.
Blood vessel inflammation can lead to redness, pain, and swelling in the arms or legs, especially when blood clots form. When large arteries become inflamed, serious complications like aneurysms or blockages may develop.
Digestive symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding
Brain and nervous system inflammation may cause headaches, fever, confusion, poor balance, or even stroke.
When to Get Medical Help
Contact your doctor if you notice unusual symptoms that might suggest Behcet’s disease. If you’ve already been diagnosed with this condition, seek medical attention whenever new symptoms appear.
Causes
Behcet’s disease likely stems from an autoimmune response where the immune system incorrectly attacks healthy cells in the body. This condition involves inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), affecting arteries and veins of all sizes throughout the body.
The development of Behcet’s disease appears to involve both genetic and environmental factors. Researchers have identified several genes associated with this condition.
Many experts believe that in genetically susceptible individuals, an environmental trigger such as a virus or bacterium might initiate the disease process.
The blood vessel inflammation characteristic of Behcet’s disease can damage vessels throughout the body, leading to the wide range of symptoms seen in affected individuals.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase your chance of getting Behcet’s disease:
- Age: Most often affects people in their 20s and 30s, though it can occur at any age.
- Geographic Location: More common in people from the Middle East and East Asia (Turkey, Iran, Japan, and China).
- Gender: Affects both men and women, but symptoms are typically more severe in men.
- Genetics: Certain genes are linked to a higher risk of developing this condition.
Complications
Behçet’s disease can lead to serious problems if not properly managed. The complications vary depending on which parts of the body are affected.
Eye involvement is particularly concerning. Without proper treatment, uveitis (inflammation in the eye) can progressively damage vision and potentially cause blindness. Regular visits to an eye specialist are essential for patients with eye symptoms to prevent permanent vision loss.
Other potential complications may include:
- Neurological Problems: Inflammation in the brain and nervous system.
- Blood Vessel Damage: Can lead to aneurysms or blood clots.
- Digestive Tract Issues: Persistent ulcers and inflammation.
- Joint Damage: Ongoing inflammation may affect mobility.
The severity of complications differs from person to person. Some individuals experience mild symptoms with few complications, while others may develop more serious long-term problems.
Working closely with healthcare providers who understand this condition is important for developing an effective management plan that addresses all affected body systems.
