Best Vasculitis Doctors in Mysore

Vasculitis is a medical condition characterised by inflammation of the blood vessels, leading to a range of symptoms and complications depending on the type and severity of the condition. Causes of vasculitis include infections, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory conditions, or exposure to certain chemicals, medications, or environmental factors. The outcome of vasculitis can vary from mild discomfort to severe organ damage, depending on the extent of blood vessel involvement.

Mysore has reported instances of vasculitis among its population. Apollo Hospitals in Mysore houses some of the best doctors for vasculitis treatment, known for their expertise and dedication to patient care. They are considered among the best doctors specialising in vasculitis treatment, not only within the city but throughout the country.

Types/Stages of Vasculitis

The nature and impact of vasculitis vary significantly based on its types which include:

• Giant Cell Arteritis: This condition involves inflammation in the arteries, commonly affecting older adults, particularly the temporal arteries. If untreated, it can result in blindness.

• Polyarteritis Nodosa: This type affects medium-sized arteries causing symptoms like fatigue, fever, muscle and joint pain, abdominal pain, and skin ulcers.

• Kawasaki Disease: Predominantly affecting children under the age of 5, it results in inflammation of blood vessels, particularly the coronary arteries.

• Takayasu Arteritis: It involves the aorta and its major branches causing fatigue, fever and joint pains among other symptoms.

Symptoms of Vasculitis

The symptoms of vasculitis vary based on the specific type and location of the affected blood vessels. These may include:

• General symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, weight loss and body aches.

• Specific symptoms relating to the affected organ or system like abnormal breathing patterns or chest pain.

• Specific skin conditions like rashes, sores or discolouration including purpura (small purple or red spots caused by bleeding under the skin).

Tests to Diagnose Vasculitis

The diagnosis of vasculitis involves a comprehensive approach by the best specialists in vasculitis. A few common diagnostic procedures include:

• Physical Examination and Health History: A thorough assessment of symptoms and medical history helps doctors suspect the disease and recommend further diagnostic tests.

• Blood and Laboratory Tests: Blood tests for ANCA can indicate certain types of vasculitis, and other tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein can help rule out similar conditions.

• Biopsy: A tissue sample from the affected area is analysed to confirm the diagnosis of vasculitis.

• Imaging: Techniques like ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans visualise blood vessels and surrounding tissues to assess inflammation and damage.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Vasculitis at Apollo Hospitals, Mysore

The treatment options for vasculitis typically involve a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Some of them include:

• Immunosuppressive Drugs: Medications like cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate mofetil are used to suppress the immune system and control inflammation.

• Steroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are frequently used to quickly reduce inflammation and swelling.

• Biological Therapies: Rituximab is a biological therapy that can help induce remission in certain types of vasculitis.

• Surgical Options: Angioplasty (widening narrowed blood vessels), stenting (placing a mesh tube to keep vessels open), or surgical resection (removing damaged sections of blood vessels) are performed for severe cases where other treatments have failed or are not effective.