Behçet’s disease occurs as a result of the interaction of a number of factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental factors and immune system irregularities. The disease usually occurs in young adults but can occur at any age. Behçet’s disease can affect not only an individual’s physical health, but also their psychosocial and emotional well-being. For this reason, it is important for patients to join support groups, get help from mental health professionals, and make lifestyle changes.
What is Behcet’s disease?
In autoimmune diseases, the immune system begins to attack the body’s own tissues. Behcet’s disease is also a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the blood vessels. Behçet’s disease is a rare disease that can be seen in many parts of the world, but is most common in East Asia and the Middle East. Behçet’s disease is considered a serious disease that can significantly affect quality of life. But with early diagnosis and treatment, most patients can live good lives.
What causes Behçet’s disease?
Although the exact cause of Behçet’s disease is not known exactly, it is thought to have a complex etiology. There are several factors that contribute to the emergence of the disease. The causes of Behçet’s disease are as follows:
- Genetic factors are thought to play a role in the development of Behçet’s disease.
- The risk of disease may increase in individuals with a family history of Behçet’s disease.
- Behçet’s disease may occur as a result of a disorder related to the immune system.
- It is thought that environmental factors may play a triggering role in the emergence of Behçet’s disease.
- Infections, viral or bacterial outbreaks, hormonal changes and some medications can trigger Behçet’s disease.
- Behçet’s disease is generally more common in the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean region.
- It is more common in people of Turkish, Japanese, South Korean, Chinese and Middle Eastern descent.
The complexity and interaction of these factors that lead to the emergence of Behçet’s disease make it difficult to fully understand the cause of the disease. Research is ongoing and a better understanding of the disease may contribute to the development of effective treatment methods.
What are the symptoms of Behçet’s disease?
Symptoms of Behçet’s disease generally occur in a number of systems including the vascular, skin, eye, mouth and genital areas. Symptoms may vary from person to person and may increase or decrease in severity depending on the course of the disease. Behçet’s disease symptoms are listed as follows:
- One of the most common symptoms is recurrent aphthous ulcers in the mouth and genital area. These sores can be painful and may heal and reoccur.
- Eye-related problems such as uveitis, retinitis, and vitritis may occur. Eye inflammation can cause symptoms such as pain, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
- Behcet’s disease can cause skin problems in the form of red, painful nodules, pustules, or bleeding lesions on the skin.
- Joint pain and swelling may occur. These symptoms usually occur in the knees and ankles.
- Behçet’s disease can cause inflammation in the stomach and intestines. It may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloody stools.
- When the nervous system is affected, neurological symptoms such as headache, loss of consciousness, mental changes and balance problems may occur.
- Behcet’s disease can cause vascular inflammation, which can lead to serious complications such as vascular occlusion, aneurysm, or thrombosis.
- Aphthous ulcers can also appear in the genital area, causing pain during sexual intercourse.
How is Behçet’s disease treated?
There is no definitive cure for Behçet’s disease, but various treatments can be used to control symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment depends on the severity and location of symptoms. Medicines prescribed by the doctor can be used for mouth and genital ulcers. If ulcers are serious, medications that suppress the immune system may be used. Medications or immunotherapy can also be used for uveitis, which is a symptom of Behçet’s disease. However, if uveitis is severe, surgical intervention may be required.
Painkillers, steroids, or immune-suppressing drugs may be used for arthritis. Specific treatments may be required for other organ involvement. For example, anticoagulants or thrombolytics may be used for cardiac involvement. Some lifestyle changes can also be made to improve the course of Behçet’s disease. These changes are:
- reduce stress
- getting enough sleep
- eating healthy
- exercising regularly
