Vasculitis Symptoms Inside and Outside the Body

Medically reviewed by David Ozeri, MD

Vasculitis symptoms range depending on the type of vasculitis and its underlying cause. This condition can affect various areas of the body and produce multiple symptoms. Vasculitis symptoms include rash, body aches or discomfort, decreased appetite, fatigue, and fever—among others.

Vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels, leading to decreased blood flow. It can affect any organ or body part with blood flow and can be dangerous when untreated.

Learn about vasculitis, how it affects different parts of the body, symptoms that signal an emergency, types, long-term effects, and more.

Vasculitis Symptoms by Body Part

The symptoms of vasculitis may differ depending on the cause and type. Additionally, different types of vasculitis can affect other parts of the body. For example, Takayasu arteritis is a type of vasculitis that affects about one or two people per million and has symptoms of low blood pressure, low pulse, fever, and weight loss. Other types can lead to symptoms in different body parts.

Legs

Vasculitis can prevent blood flow to areas farther away from the core of the body. For example, blood flow to the legs may be reduced, causing tingling, pain, or swelling. The same symptoms can also affect the arms.

Some types of vasculitis that involve leg symptoms include:

• Anti-GBM disease or Goodasture's syndrome

• IgA vasculitis or Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)

• Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN)

• Takayasu's arteritis (TAK)

Hands

Types of vasculitis affecting the hands, such as Buerger's disease or thromboangiitis obliterans, cause tingling in the hands and fingers. In some cases, it can lead to gangrene, a condition that causes discoloration and tissue death. People with vasculitis symptoms in their hands may also experience swelling.

Internal Organs

Vasculitis can lead to symptoms that affect internal organs. This may include chest, abdomen, or lower back pain if the heart, lungs, digestive tract, or kidneys are affected. Lung and respiratory symptoms may also include shortness of breath, coughing up blood, nasal congestion, and nosebleeds. Additionally, blood in the urine can be a symptom of vasculitis that has affected the kidneys, and blood in the stool can be a symptom that it has affected the stomach or digestive tract.

Ears

Vasculitis can lead to symptoms related to the ears, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss.

Dizziness is another symptom that can happen if vasculitis affects the ears. This is because parts of the inner ears send signals to the brain about balance based on the movements of the head. The swelling or inflammation of vasculitis in the ears can affect this balance system, leading to dizziness.

Skin

People with vasculitis may notice bumps, rashes, or sores on their skin due to the condition. Skin can be affected by vasculitis. Additionally, there could be skin discoloration with red or dark spots. These spots sometimes go away quickly, or they could take months. Skin spots come back every few months or years in about 1 in 10 people who get them.

Other Symptoms

In addition to the legs, hands, and internal organs, other body parts can be affected by vasculitis. Symptoms include:

• Coordination challenges

• Pain in the joints

• Redness or discomfort of the eyes

• Weakness

Emergency Vasculitis Symptoms

While some cases are very minor and temporary, other types of vasculitis can be very serious and even life-threatening. Since blood is needed for the body to function correctly, any blood flow restriction can be a reason for concern.

Some vasculitis symptoms that can signal an emergency include:

• Changes in vision, including seeing double or vision loss

• Coughing up blood

• Difficulty breathing

• Difficulty speaking or changes in speech

• Headache

• Pain in the jaw muscle while eating

• Pupil size changes

• Symptoms that affect more than one part of the body

• Temple pain, aching, or soreness

• Unable to use arms, legs, or other body parts

It is essential to seek the help of a trained medical professional immediately if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms or suspects severe symptoms of vasculitis.

Rare Vasculitis Symptoms

While vasculitis symptoms such as fatigue, pain and discomfort, and fever may be more common, there are also rare symptoms that can happen.

Less common symptoms of vasculitis include:

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• Falling or difficulty walking

• Hearing loss

• Pain in the throat

• Sudden and severe chest or abdominal pain

• Sudden problems with balance, speaking, or vision

All symptoms should be evaluated by a trained healthcare professional.

Long-Term Effects of Vasculitis Symptoms

Long-term effects of vasculitis symptoms can be minor, or they can lead to more severe consequences such as organ damage. The risk of long-term effects partially depends on the type of vasculitis. For example, Takayasu's arteritis can lead to high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke.

Similarly, Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is treatable but can lead to lung complications and kidney failure. This is why it is essential to seek the support of a medical professional for symptoms of vasculitis.

Complications

The possible complications of vasculitis depend on the type of vasculitis. Some are mild. However, there is risk of severe and even life-threatening complications.

Complications of vasculitis include:

• Aneurysm

• Blood clot

• Blood pressure changes

• Cardiovascular disease

• Damage to organs

• Heart failure

• Kidney failure

• Stroke

• Vision loss

Ongoing Monitoring Under Healthcare Provider

Each treatment protocol is different, and each person requires additional follow-up care. Some cases of vasculitis will go away independently, while others require ongoing medical treatment. Sometimes, vasculitis may go into remission and needs to be monitored for possible flares.

Even after initial treatment, you may need long-term medications to prevent relapses. For example, Rituxan (rituximab) is an injectable medication that may be given twice per year to maintain vasculitis remission. Anyone experiencing vasculitis symptoms should discuss treatment options with their healthcare professional.

Summary

Vasculitis happens when blood vessels become swollen or inflamed. This can be part of a different medical condition or happen without a known cause. There are many types of vasculitis, with various symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include blood pressure changes, fever, fatigue, body aches, pain, and discomfort.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.