Vasculitis is an autoimmune condition that affects the blood vessels in the patient’s body. These vessels are a channel that carries blood to and from different parts of the body. The signs of this condition are commonly based on the body part the condition affects. Some symptoms are common among individuals and can occur irrespective of the location of the affected area. General signs of this blood vessel inflammation disease include loss of appetite, fever, fatigue, and muscle loss.

Skin rashes
These rashes exhibit variations in appearance, ranging from minor red marks to more extensive and raised lesions. The root cause of skin rashes in vasculitis primarily stems from the inflammation of small blood vessels (small vessel vasculitis). The immune system’s fight against the walls of blood vessels causes harm and leakage, resulting in skin discoloration and rashes formation.

Fatigue
Fatigue is a widespread symptom across varied conditions, and vasculitis is no exception. The inflammation and impairment of blood vessels can adversely impact the smooth flow of oxygen and nutrients to various organs and tissues, eventually leading to fatigue. This chronic inflammation results in overwhelming fatigue that can substantially diminish an individual’s quality of life.

Fever
Fever is the body’s natural reaction to infection or inflammation. In the context of vasculitis, fever stems from the ongoing inflammation and the immune system’s sustained activation. It essentially reflects the body’s attempt to combat the perceived threat posed by the blood vessel disease. It’s important to diligently monitor body temperature, as uncontrolled fever can lead to complications.

Muscle and joint pain
Muscle and joint pain emerge due to the inflammation caused by vasculitis, which can affect the muscles and joints. The intensity of pain can range from mild to severe and is often accompanied by stiffness. Pain localized in the head, jaw, or neck region is particularly prevalent in some types of vasculitis. Joint pain can resemble symptoms of arthritis, restricting an individual’s mobility.

Nerve problems
Nerve issues can also manifest as part of vasculitis, resulting in sensations of numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in various regions of the body. This occurs when inflammation disrupts the normal blood flow to nerves, thereby affecting their functionality. Peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, may also present in certain types of vasculitis. It can lead to sensory disruptions, such as loss of sensation or heightened sensitivity, as well as motor impairments.

Eye-related problems
The eyes may fall victim to the effects of vasculitis, yielding symptoms such as eye redness, pain, blurred vision, and heightened sensitivity to light. The inflammation of blood vessels in the eyes can inflict damage upon the delicate eye structures. A timely assessment by an ophthalmologist is imperative to avert potential vision loss and other eye-related complications.

Digestive symptoms
The digestive system can be impacted by vasculitis, which may give rise to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Inflammation of blood vessels in the gastrointestinal tract can impact its functionality, thus resulting in these distressing symptoms. The genesis of digestive symptoms in vasculitis can be attributed to the inflammation and damage of blood vessels supplying the digestive organs.