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Vasculitis

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

  • Inflammation of blood vessels
  • Immune system attacks healthy vessels
  • Can affect any organ in the body
  • Many different types exist
  • Severity ranges from mild to life-threatening

Overview

Vasculitis refers to a group of conditions where blood vessels throughout the body become inflamed. Normally, inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or infection. However, in vasculitis, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy blood vessels, causing them to swell and narrow. The exact cause is often unknown, but it can be triggered by infections, other underlying health conditions, or certain medicines. This condition can be mild, affecting only the skin, or very serious, leading to problems in vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, lungs, or nerves. There are many different types of vasculitis, each with unique characteristics, affected areas, and potential severity. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing the condition and preventing serious complications.

Signs and Symptoms

  • High temperature
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Rash or reddish-purple spots
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath or coughing blood
  • Numbness or pins and needles
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vision changes or loss

Things That Increase the Risk

  • Age (varies by type, e.g., over 50 for temporal arteritis)
  • Certain infections (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C)
  • Specific medications (e.g., NSAIDs, some antibiotics)
  • Smoking (linked to Buerger's disease)
  • Other underlying health conditions

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests (checking for inflammation markers, antibodies)
  • Urine tests (to detect kidney involvement)
  • Imaging scans (X-rays, CT, MRI) of affected areas
  • Biopsy of affected blood vessels or tissue

Treatment & Management

  • Steroid medicines (e.g., prednisolone)
  • Immune-suppressing drugs
  • Pain relief medication
  • Treatment of underlying infections
  • Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for specific types
  • Aspirin (especially for Kawasaki disease, under doctor's advice)

Prevention

  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment
  • Managing any underlying health conditions
  • Avoiding known triggers like smoking
  • Regular medical check-ups and monitoring
  • Following doctor's advice for medication use

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Vasculitis:

Vasculitis Treatment

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Contents

Quick Info

Affects

Blood vessels throughout the body

Prevalence

Varies by type, some are rare

Diagnosis

Blood tests, imaging, biopsy

Treatment

Steroids, immune suppressants

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Reviewed on July 3, 2026

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