What is Buerger's disease?
Buerger’s disease is a rare condition that affects the inside layer of blood vessels in your hands and feet. The condition can also move into your arms and legs. The blood vessels swell, and as a result, blood clots form.
What causes Buerger's disease?
The exact cause of Buerger’s disease is unknown. But, almost everyone who has the condition uses some form of tobacco. It is possible that the chemicals in tobacco cause them to swell or that the swelling is your body’s response to them.
What are the symptoms of Buerger's disease?
Symptoms of Buerger's disease include:
- Pain and/or burning in your hands and/or feet that comes and goes.
- Swelling of the veins just below the skin. This is a sign of a blood clot.
- Pale feet, toes, hands and/or fingers when exposed to the cold. This is a condition called Raynaud’s phenomenon, where the blood vessels become narrow in the cold.
- Open sores on your fingers, toes, hands and/or feet.
- Gangrene - Body tissue dies and turns color (blue, purple, red, black), blisters, swells, feels cool and is painful.
How do I know if I have Buerger's disease?
Your doctor will talk to you about your symptoms, do an exam and order blood tests to learn more about your condition. You will also have other tests to check for signs of Buerger’s disease.
Allen's Test
Allen’s test is used to check blood flow in the arteries in your hands. You will make a tight fist to force the blood out of your hand. Your doctor will press on your hand over your arteries, which slows the blood flow and causes your hand to lose color. Then, the pressure is released and your hands return to normal. The longer it takes your hand to turn back to its original color, the less blood flow you have, which can mean there is a problem with your arteries.
Angiogram
An angiogram is a special X-ray used to check for blocked blood vessels. Contrast dye is injected into your arteries, and X-rays are taken as the dye flows through them.
What treatments are available for patients with Buerger's disease?
There is no cure for Buerger’s disease, but treatments can help control symptoms.
Don't use tobacco
The best way to control Buerger’s disease is to stop using all forms of nicotine and tobacco products. This includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, nicotine patches and gums, "vaping" devices and hookahs. Talk to your healthcare provider about programs and medications to help you stop using tobacco. It is also important to stay away from second-hand smoke.
Medications
You may need to take medications to:
- Improve blood flow.
- Open (dilate) blood vessels and improve blood flow.
- Dissolve blood clots.
- Manage pain.
Other treatments
- Intermittent compression - A device that squeezes your arms and legs to improve blood flow.
Surgery
Your doctor may talk to you about surgery if you have a serious lack of blood flow to larger arteries or if you have developed gangrene due to Buerger’s disease.
How can I prevent Buerger's disease?
The best way to prevent Buerger’s disease is to avoid all forms of tobacco and nicotine, including second-hand smoke.
How does Buerger's disease affect my life?
Prevent infections
Poor blood flow to your hands and feet can make it harder to keep cuts from getting infected. It is also possible to have a cut or injury and not know it because you are used to having abnormal feelings in your hands and feet. Take these steps to prevent infection:
- Check your hands, feet, arms and legs every day for cuts and scrapes.
- Wash minor cuts and scrapes with soap and water, then use an antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a clean bandage.
- Keep an eye on cuts and scrapes to see how they are healing. Call your healthcare provider if they don’t get better or if they get worse.
- Wear socks and shoes to protect your feet, and don’t go in the cold without gloves and proper footwear.
Stay healthy
- Eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise to stay healthy and improve blood flow.
- Contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about living with Buerger’s disease or if your condition gets worse.
