Sclereoderma Symptoms
Scleroderma symptoms are a variety of symptoms. They can include bloating, Raynaud's phenomenon, and acid reflux. These symptoms often indicate an underlying medical condition. If these symptoms are present, you should seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, a diagnosis of scleroderma is possible through a blood test.
Raynaud's disease
A doctor will likely diagnose Raynaud's disease if you experience numbness, weakness, or tingling in the hands or feet. This disease is caused by an imbalance of blood flow to the body's extremities. The body needs at least 40 percent more blood flow to the hands and fingers than it needs for other tissues. This blood flow increases when the body is warm and decreases when it is cold. This makes Raynaud's patients especially sensitive to cold temperatures.
The body's response to cold temperatures is to shift blood from the surface arteries into deeper veins. This process intensifies during Raynaud's disease. It may result in discoloration and collapse of the affected blood vessels.
Acid reflux
If you have scleroderma, you may experience acid reflux. This occurs when the lining of the esophagus is damaged by acid from the stomach. This causes a burning sensation that is often accompanied by difficulty swallowing. It can lead to the narrowing of the tube and scarring. About 50% of scleroderma patients experience this condition.
Scleroderma is a systemic connective tissue disorder that affects various organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract. About 50 to 90% of people with diffuse scleroderma will develop esophageal dysfunction. The cause of esophageal dysfunction is unclear, but the disorder has a neurological and musculoskeletal component. Patients with scleroderma often experience heartburn, dysphagia, and regurgitation of food.
Bloating
Bloating, abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal problems may indicate scleroderma. People with this condition have trouble passing stool and may experience an oily or foul odor in the stools. Some people describe their stools as being a mixture of oil and water. Normally, the large intestine's job is to reabsorb water secreted by the rest of the gut and to move waste along. Because scleroderma weakens the muscles that line the intestine, patients may have bloating and pain.
Scleroderma can affect the skin, joints and heart. Some people may develop thin or darker skin due to the disease. People with this condition may also develop abnormal blood vessels in their skin. Some people may also experience increased blood pressure or heart failure. If a person develops scleroderma, it is essential to consult a doctor to rule out other possible health issues.
Lung function tests
Lung function tests are important in diagnosis and can help determine if a patient has a pulmonary disease. All patients with scleroderma should undergo pulmonary function tests. These tests measure the capacity of the lungs to provide oxygen and gas to the body. Fibrosis and scar tissue can lower the forced vital capacity and decrease oxygen diffusion. Thicker blood vessels and fibrosis can also make it difficult for the lungs to provide adequate airflow.
During a pulmonary function test, the doctor will measure lung volumes, bronchial obstruction, gas exchange, and ventilation. These tests are used to determine the severity of interstitial lung disease. Reduced lung volumes, compliance, and diffusing capacity are characteristics of ILD. The single-breath CO transfer factor is one of the tests used to measure lung function. In patients with SSc-associated ILD, bronchial obstruction is absent. The results of these tests will help determine if further treatment is needed.
Skin sores
Skin sores are one of the most common symptoms of scleroderma, a condition that affects the connective tissue underneath the skin. Unlike other forms of skin disease, these sores are not painful but can indicate underlying damage to internal organs. Patients may have patches of hardened skin that are red or lighter in color. They may also have white or blue patches on their skin. The sooner you can diagnose the condition, the better.
The symptoms of scleroderma vary; the best way to identify the condition is by seeing your doctor. In some cases, scleroderma is localized, characterized by patches only on the skin. In other cases, it may affect bones, internal organs, or both.
