Definition:
Thromboangiitis obliterans also known as Buerger's disease is a condition in which blood flowing in the blood vessels are impaired due to inflammation and clots. The disease affects arms and legs damaging destroying the tissues, which may lead to infection and gangrene.
Diagnosis:
The doctor evaluates the signs and symptoms experienced by the patient. Since tests cannot definitely determine the condition, they are recommended only to rule out other conditions and narrow the diagnosis. Such tests may include blood tests, the Allen's test, arteriogram, and other tests and procedures that may assist in diagnosing the condition.
Treatment:
There is no cure for the condition. However, patients who smoke need to quit using tobacco in any form to stop the disease from progressing. Those who cannot stop may worsen their condition, which may require amputation of the affected fingers or toes in the occurrence of infection and gangrene. Other treatment options may include medications that improve blood flow or dissolve blood clots, surgery to cut the nerves in the affected area to control pain.
Symptoms and Signs:
Individuals suffering from the disease feel pain and weakness in the legs and feet or the arms and hands, swelling in the feet and hands, pale fingers and toes when exposed to cold, and open sores on the fingers and toes.
Causes:
The condition occurs when the arteries and veins in the arms and legs become inflamed blocking or reducing blood flow leading to insufficient supply of oxygen and needed nutrients. The trigger for the inflammation and clots however, is not clear.
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thromboangiitisobliterans
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