Best Doctors for Vasculitis in Bangalore

Types/Stages of Vasculitis

Vasculitis can be categorised into various types depending on the size and location of the affected blood vessels. These include:

• Giant cell arteritis: Primarily affecting older adults, this can cause blindness if left untreated.

• Polyarteritis nodosa: Affects medium-sized arteries causing symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain.

• Kawasaki disease: Common amongst children leading to inflammation particularly in the coronary arteries.

• Takayasu arteritis: Impacts the aorta and its branches, causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and joint pain.

Symptoms of Vasculitis

The manifestation of vasculitis can vary considerably based on the type and location affected. Some common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Widespread aches

• Chest pain

• impaired breathing

• Abdominal pain

• Bloody stools

• Blurred vision

Tests to Diagnose Vasculitis

An accurate diagnosis of vasculitis is crucial for an effective treatment plan. Some common diagnostic tools used by the best vasculitis specialists include:

• Physical Examination: The doctor might suspect vasculitis based on the presented symptoms and suggest additional tests for confirmation.

• Blood and Laboratory Tests: Blood tests can reveal certain types of vasculitis. Other tests may rule out similar conditions.

• Biopsy: A tissue sample from the affected area can be analysed to confirm vasculitis.

• Imaging: CT, MRI, or ultrasound scans can help visualise blood vessels and detect any damage.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Vasculitis at Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore

At Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore, the best doctors for vasculitis treatment offer a range of advanced treatment options, which include:

• Immunosuppressive Drug Therapy: Medications such as cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, methotrexate, and mycophenolate are used to control inflammation.

• Corticosteroids: These are often used to reduce inflammation and swelling.

• Biological Therapies: Medications like rituximab can help induce remission in some types of vasculitis.

• Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty or stenting may be performed to improve blood flow. In other instances, surgical resection of damaged blood vessels might be necessary.