What is Behçet’s disease?
Behçet’s disease or Behçet’s syndrome is an inflammatory disease of the blood vessels. It is an autoimmune, chronic, systemic disease, as it can affect any part of the body’s organism.
Behcet’s disease is rare, affecting people between the ages of 20 and 40, and usually has an impact on the quality of life of those affected.
Prognosis of the disease
Behcet’s disease is chronic, but its symptoms can come and go on their own. In fact, it has an intermittent course, with periods of activity and periods of remission when no symptoms are detected.
However, in most cases its symptoms can be treated and prevented and a completely normal life can be led.
Symptoms of Behçet’s disease
The most common symptoms of Behçet’s syndrome are: sores in the mouth, genitals and other skin regions; swelling of certain parts of the eye; pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints.
In some cases the symptomatology can evolve into complications such as meningitis, blood clots, blindness, inflammation of the digestive system.
Inflamed eyes are one of the frequent symptoms of Behçet’s disease, along with skin sores and genital ulcers.
Medical tests for Behçet’s disease
Currently, there is no specific test to diagnose Behçet’s disease. Thus, the physician will rely on the patient’s symptomatology, as well as may prescribe tests such as clinical tests to rule out other pathologies.
For example, if the patient has mouth or skin sores, swollen eyes, genital ulcers and tests positive for patergia, it is very likely to be Behçet’s syndrome.
What are the causes of Behçet’s disease?
There is no known exact cause of Behçet’s syndrome, but it is suspected that genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Some experts believe it may be a bacterium or virus that affects genetically susceptible people. It is not a contagious disease.
Can it be prevented?
It is not possible to prevent Behçet’s disease, since the cause is unknown. Once detected, treatment will be focused on curbing the symptoms in order to prevent possible complications.
Treatments for Behçet’s disease
Behçet’s syndrome is a chronic disease and there is no definite cure for it. Treatment is aimed at reducing inflammation and pain and preventing more serious problems, and is based on medications for this purpose. The patient may have to take several medications for the different symptoms that manifest themselves, always under the prescription of the specialist.
Which specialist treats it?
The specialist who treats autoimmune diseases is the rheumatologist, who will provide the patient with the diagnosis of Behçet’s disease. In the first instance, the patient may see a family physician, ophthalmologist, dermatologist or gynecologist/andrologist in the presence of symptoms, depending on which ones affect him/her in each case.