LIFESTYLE NEWS - Your doctor will perform a physical exam, take your medical history, and perform blood work to diagnose Raynaud's phenomenon.
He or she will ask you about your symptoms and may request a microscopic examination of the nail folds near your fingernails to determine if you have primary or secondary Raynaud's. This procedure is called capillaroscopy.
According to the Mayo Clinic, people with secondary Raynaud's often have enlarged, disorganised patterns of blood vessels as well as loss of blood vessels and capillary loops in the nail folds (Mayo Clinic). This is in contrast to primary Reynaud's where there is an orderly, normal appearing array of capillaries present when vasospasm is not occurring.
Blood tests can reveal whether or not you test positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANA). The presence of ANAs can mean you are more likely to experience autoimmune or connective tissue disorders. Such conditions put you at risk for secondary Raynaud's.
Coping with a Raynaud's phenomenon attack
If you have an attack, it is important to keep yourself warm. To help cope with an attack, you can:
Cover your hands or feet with socks or gloves.
Get out of the cold and re-warm your entire body
Run your hands or feet under lukewarm water.
Massage your extremities.
Staying calm can help reduce the severity of an attack. Try to remain as relaxed and stress-free as possible. It may help to physically remove yourself from stressful situations. Concentrating on your breathing can also help you calm down.
Treating Raynaud's phenomenon
Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle changes are a large part of the treatment process for Raynaud's phenomenon. Avoiding substances that cause the blood vessels to constrict is the first-line of treatment. This includes avoiding caffeine and nicotine products.
Staying warm and exercising can also prevent or reduce the intensity of some attacks. Exercise is particularly good for promoting circulation and managing stress.
Medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication if you have frequent, long-lasting, or intense vasospasm episodes.
- Drugs that cause vasodilation help your blood vessels relax. These include: Antidepressants
- Anti-hypertension medications
- Erectile dysfunction drugs
- Some medications can also make your condition worse because they constrict blood vessels. Examples include:
- Beta blockers
- Estrogen-based drugs
- Migraine medicines
- Birth control pills
- Pseudoephedrine-based cold medicines
Outlook for patients with Raynaud's
Outlook for people with Raynaud's phenomenon varies according to their overall health. Secondary Raynaud's is much more of a concern over the long-term than the primary form.
People who have secondary Raynaud's are more likely to suffer from infection, skin ulcers, and gangrene.
This article is for informative purposes only. Please be advised to see your doctor if you have any queries or e-mail questions@walkindoctor.co.za.
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