Buerger’s disease, also called thromboangiitis obliterans, is a rare disease that takes place due to the infection and a blood clot in the small and medium-sized blood vessels of the arms and legs. The inflammation cuts off the blood flow passing through the tissues, causing tissue damage, pain, and, in severe cases, gangrene. Though the exact cause is not clearly defined, Buerger’s disease has been significantly associated with tobacco use, such as smoking and chewing it. The symptoms of Buerger’s disease often arise from this restricted circulation, leading to serious vascular complications.
Buerger’s disease primarily affects young men under 45 years old who are heavy smokers. Symptoms start in the hands and feet, causing pain and further developing complicated problems such as ulcers and tissue death. Early diagnosis and immediate stopping of all tobacco products are needed to control the disease and prevent it from worsening.
In Pakistan, FitwellHub offers expert care through medical second opinion services to enable patients to validate their diagnosis and explore appropriate treatment options. With the help of healthcare technology, FitwellHub provides correct assessments and personalized care for enhanced management of this vascular condition.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Buerger’s disease are as follows:
- Pain in Limbs: Affected people frequently suffer from pain and cramping, which starts in the hands, feet, arms, or legs, usually during physical activity or even at rest as the disease progresses.
- Cold Hands and Feet: Patients with this disease also feel that their hands and feet appear colder than usual due to the reduced blood flow through the inflamed vessels.
- Numbness: Because of the decreased blood flow, numbness or tingling sensation in the fingers and toes can also be experienced, leading to reduced sensation and circulation in the affected areas.
- Ulcers: Ulcers or open sores may develop on the fingers, toes, or legs as the condition worsens, causing pain and difficulty in healing due to poor blood circulation.
- Gangrene: In severe cases, tissue death (gangrene) may occur, especially if blood flow is completely blocked. This usually causes amputation if not treated promptly.
When to See a Doctor
You should consult a doctor if you are experiencing persistent pain in your hands, feet, or limbs, especially if you smoke or use tobacco products. Symptoms like coldness, numbness, or non-healing sores on your extremities should not be ignored, because they can indicate early stages of Buerger’s disease. Quitting tobacco is crucial to slowing the progression of the disease, so consult a healthcare provider immediately if you notice these symptoms.
At FitwellHub, we offer specialized care for vascular diseases, including Buerger’s disease. Schedule an appointment and receive the necessary diagnosis and treatment.
Causes
The following are the potential causes of Buerger’s disease:
Tobacco Use
Tobacco use is the most significant risk factor for this disease. Both smoking and chewing tobacco lead to blood vessel inflammation, restricting blood flow and triggering symptoms.
Genetic Factors
Although the exact cause of Buerger’s disease is unclear, certain genetic factors may make some individuals more susceptible to developing the condition when exposed to tobacco.
Autoimmune Response
Some researchers believe that it may involve an autoimmune reaction, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the blood vessels, leading to inflammation.
Environmental Factors
Environmental toxins or chemical exposures, often related to smoking or certain occupations, may also contribute to the development of Buerger’s disease.
Risk Factors
The following are the risk factors for Buerger’s disease:
Inflammation of Blood Vessels: The condition causes the blood vessels in the arms and legs to become inflamed and blocked with clots, leading to tissue damage and pain.
Male Gender: The disease is more prevalent among males, particularly those aged below 45.
Age: Affects primarily those who fall within the age range of 20 to 45 years.
Poor Circulation: Individuals suffering from other vascular conditions are more at risk of the disease.
Complications
The following are the complications resulting from Buerger’s disease:
- Gangrene: The worst complication of Buerger’s disease is gangrene, where the tissue dies because of reduced blood flow, causing the skin to become blackened and lose the affected area.
- Tissue Loss: Prolonged insufficient circulation can lead to significant tissue injury, frequently resulting in the loss of parts of fingers or toes.
- Amputation: If there is gangrene or tissue death, it may be necessary to amputate parts of the hands or feet to stop the infection from spreading or for further disease complications.
- Chronic Pain: Buerger’s disease may lead to persistent pain in the hands and feet, especially during activities like walking, even after treatment has begun.
- Infection: Open sores or ulcers caused by Buerger’s disease can become infected, which complicates treatment even further and also increases the chance of life-threatening conditions like sepsis.
Prevention
The following are ways to prevent Buerger’s disease or slow its progression:
Quit Tobacco
Because the use of tobacco is the primary cause of Buerger’s disease, quitting smoking or using any other type of tobacco is the most important step in preventing or slowing the condition.
Maintain Good Circulation
Keeping hands and feet warm and moving may improve blood circulation to the extremities and prevent complications of poor circulation.
Avoid Cold Exposure
Cold weather causes blood vessels to contract, increasing the symptoms of Buerger’s, so it’s important to dress warmly when it becomes cold.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercises improve circulation and overall cardiovascular conditions. This usually minimizes the chances of complications that may result from this disease.
Manage Stress
Stress stimulates vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels), which can worsen symptoms of Buerger’s disease. Stress management techniques like meditation are helpful.
At FitwellHub, we offer smoking cessation programs and personalized strategies for preventing vascular diseases. Visit our Healthy Elite Lifestyle Program for expert advice on reducing your risk of Buerger’s disease.
Diagnosis
The following are the diagnostic methods for Buerger’s disease:
Physical Examination
A physical examination for the diagnosis of Buerger’s disease includes examining whether there are a few signs of impaired blood circulation, including ulcers, changes in the skin, or irregular pulse in the arms or legs.
Angiography
During an angiography, Buerger’s disease is identified by the presence of blockages or narrowing of the vessels that carry blood flow through them.
Blood Tests
Although no specific blood test can diagnose Buerger’s disease, tests may be done to rule out the presence of other diseases such as autoimmune diseases or clotting disorders.
Allen’s Test
This test is used to measure the circulation of hands to check if there is a blockage in blood flow, which determines the severity of the disease.
Doppler Ultrasound
Doctors use Doppler ultrasound to measure blood flow and diagnose narrowed blood vessels or blockages in the arms and legs.
Fitwell Lab at Fitwell Hub offers diagnostic services for vascular diseases such as Buerger’s disease. Visit our lab for thorough testing and evaluations.
Treatment
The following are some of the treatments for Buerger’s disease:
- Quit Smoking: Quitting tobacco smoking is the first and most important step in treatment. Without this, the disease will progress and spread more rapidly.
- Medications: Doctors may prescribe medications like vasodilators, blood thinners, or painkillers to enhance circulation, prevent clotting, or relieve pain.
- Surgery: In severe cases, doctors perform surgery to remove obstructions or bypass damaged vessels in order to improve circulation.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can enhance movement and reduce pain in patients by enhancing blood flow alongside muscle strength.
- Amputation: Doctors may perform amputation in cases of gangrene or extensive tissue damage to manage the infection and preserve any remaining healthy tissue.
Medications
Doctors commonly use the following medications to manage Buerger’s disease:
| Medication | Use | Effect |
| Vasodilators | Promotes blood flow | Dilates blood vessels for good blood circulation. |
| Antiplatelet Drugs | Prevents coagulation | Reduces the formation of blood clots in the inflamed blood vessels. |
| Anticoagulants | Thins the blood | Prevents clot formation in the arteries. |
| Pain Relievers | Reduces chronic pain | Relieves pain from poor circulation and ulcers. |
| Antibiotics | Treats infected ulcers | Prevents infection occurring in sores or ulcers from poor blood flow. |
At FitwellHub, we provide a wide range of medications to manage Buerger’s disease and its symptoms. Visit our pharmacy for more information on available treatments.
FAQs
What is Buerger’s disease?
It is an uncommon condition with inflammatory clotting in the blood vessels of the arms and legs, leading to pain, ulcers, and gangrene in severe cases.
What causes Buerger’s disease?
A specific cause is still unknown, but it is primarily associated with tobacco use in both smoking and chewing forms, and it triggers inflammatory reactions in the vessels.
How do doctors treat it?
The main treatment of Buerger’s disease is stopping the use of tobacco products, improving circulation, and management of symptoms with medications or surgery in severe circumstances.
Can Buerger’s disease be cured?
There is no known cure. However, quitting tobacco may stop its progress. Early diagnosis, combined with lifestyle changes, can prevent complications.
How can I prevent it?
The best preventative measure against Buerger’s disease is the non-use of tobacco and not smoking. Essential precautionary measures are also the prevention of vascular maladies and good blood flow supply.
