What is Raynaud’s Disease?

[Maria]

What is Raynaud’s disease or Raynaud’s phenomenon? Give the medical definition of Raynaud’s disease.

[Dr. Aditya Sardana]

Raynaud’s or Raynaud’s disease is a rare disorder in which there are brief episodes of reduced supply of blood to certain areas of the body due to the narrowing of the arteries supplying those areas (vasospasm). In Raynaud’s disease, fingers and toes are usually affected; toes being affected in approximately forty percent of the cases. In some people, this disease also affects nose, lips, nipples, ears, and tongue. Raynaud’s disease is also known as Raynaud’s syndrome or Raynaud’s phenomenon. Raynaud’s disease was first described in 1862 by a French doctor – Auguste Gabriel Maurice Raynaud.

Symptoms of Raynaud’s Disease

Cold or stress can trigger a Raynaud’s attack. During a Raynaud’s attack, blood vessels get narrowed and blood flow to the affected parts get reduced. Due to this, affected fingers or toes may become cold and numb, turn white and then blue in color. As the flow of blood returns, the color may change to red along with throbbing, tingling, or burning in the affected parts.

Types of Raynaud’s Disease

There are 2 types of Raynaud’s disease –

Primary Raynaud’s Disease – The cause of this type is unknown. It is more common than secondary Raynaud’s but lesser in severity.

Secondary Raynaud’s Disease – This type occurs due to some underlying cause.

[Author]

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