These are some of the most frequently asked questions from people living with Vasculitis. We have attempted to put these most common ones into one section to make it easier for you to find.
What is Vasculitis?
Vasculitis is a type of autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels.
Why did I get Vasculitis?
The exact cause of any form of Vasculitis is unknown. Researcher’s are looking into different avenues are looking into different avenues to find the cause of this rare disorder.
What are the most common symptoms of my type of Vasculitis?
Each autoimmune Vasculitis has its own distinguishing characteristics. The symptoms may vary from patient to patient and disease to disease. Yet there are patterns of usual organ involvement for each type of Vasculitis. The patient should know there is a possibility they may develop some of the more common symptoms than they already have.
Is my Vasculitis contagious?
Most Vascular diseases are not contagious but some of the symptoms they produce can be. Please check with your doctor on your particular case.
Is my Vasculitis inheritable by my children?
Right now researcher’s believe that none of the vascular diseases are directly inheritable by our kids. It may also be reassuring to have that clarification by one’s own physician.
How frequent is my Vasculitis in the general population?
It is hard to understand how rare the disease is to appreciate the lack of knowledge and experience with Vasculitis in the medical community. Because people with Vasculitis are so spread out through out the world, its hard to get an exact number.
How will my Vasculitis and treatment affect my family and friends?
Vasculitis patients should be aware that both the disease and medications might cause them to behave differently. Because Vasculitis patients often ‘look well’, many will be thought to be less ill than they really are.
What should I tell people who ask about my disease?
Compare it to having lupus, this may help others to understand. Or you may just say “you have inflammation of the blood vessels that damage my organs”, that may be enough.
What is a flare?
A flare is a sudden change in disease activity. For example, the development of new symptoms. Flares take on many forms indicating that the disease has become quite active again.
Does having relatives with any form of an autoimmune disease have anything to do with my having Vasculitis?
Autoimmune diseases tend to run in families so there is apparently a genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases. It may be helpful to other family members to let them know you have Vasculitis.
Am I more likely than average to have another autoimmune disease?
A person with Vasculitis are at somewhat greater risk for developing a second autoimmune disease than the general public. It is good for the patient to understand that they need to identify ant new autoimmune diseases as soon as possible to start treatment.
Will the medications I am on affect my fertility?
Some medications may diminish female or male fertility. Talk to your doctor about your treatment options.