Behçet's disease

Behcet's disease is a rare disorder that causes inflammation in many parts of the body, including the lining of the mouth and the genital region, eyes, brain, joints and blood vessels. The most distinguished manifestations include mouth ulcers and genital areas (thrush) and severe eye inflammation.

Although not yet known the exact cause of the disease, this disease appears to involve an autoimmune response. This means that the body's defense mechanism begins to attack its own tissues. Environmental factors can trigger this abnormal immune response in susceptible individuals. Genetic factors may also play an important role.

Usually the clinical manifestations arise from outbreaks that last for weeks or months and then disappear. The time between outbreaks can be as short as a few days or as long as years. In some people with more severe disease, the clinical manifestations remain always present, although they vary in intensity.

Usually the first signs of the disease appear between 20 and 30 years old.

Prevention

Unable to prevent Behcet's disease.

Treatment

The treatment aims to decrease the over-activity of the immune system and reduce clinical manifestations.

The treatment depends on parts of the body affected by disease;

• Skin rashes and mouth sores:

For the mild disease - corticosteroids for topical (creams, lotions)

For the most significant disease or topical treatment is not successful - colchicine, dapsone and thalidomide

For the more severe disease - Immunosuppressive drugs, including oral corticosteroids, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide or methotrexate

For pain in the mouth - Preparations with lidocaine, eg

• Arthritis - The prescription drugs most frequently are: colchicine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and methotrexate

• Eye disease - Corticosteroids (ocular application, orally or intravenously), colchicine and immunosuppressive

Some studies suggest that TNF drugs (e.g., infliximab) can improve the serious illness that has not responded to other treatments. For the serious disease which affects many parts of the body, various medicines can be prescribed in combination.

You may need surgery to correct vascular aneurysms, especially if they increase in size and the risk of rupture is significant.

When the involvement of the blood vessels and the formation of clots complicates the disease, are prescribed antiplatelet agents (such as aspirin) and or anticoagulants.

To prevent joint pain, it is important to physical exercise during periods of lower intensity of symptoms.