Raynaud's Disease/Buerger's Disease

Raynaud's

Raynaud's is a common condition where the blood supply to the extremities is interrupted or reduced. Attacks are usually provoked by touching a cold object or a sudden change in temperature.

A deficiency of the vasodilator substance (called Nitric Oxide) in the endothelium causes the blood vessel to close-down and spasm. During an attack the affected body part first becomes white, then turns blue as the tissues use up the oxygen and finally bright red as the arteries relax and fresh blood rushes in once more.

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The sufferer experiences pain, pins & needles and numbness. It will be difficult to move the affected limb and the attack may last a few minutes to a few hours. It usually affects the fingers and toes but occasionally the nose or ears. 

Raynaud's can vary in form from very mild to severe cases (which can require treatment). Anyone of any age can suffer from Raynaud's but younger women are affected more commonly.

Stress or anxiety can also provoke a Raynaud's attack. 

Buerger's 

 Buerger's (also known as Thromboangiitis obliterans) is a disease of the small and medium arteries and veins that restricts blood flow to the hands and feet. Clots (thrombus) develop inside the blood vessels. This in turn leads to skin ulcers and gangrene in the fingers and toes and numbness and tingling if the nerves are affected. It is not uncommon for toes, fingers and limbs to need to be amputated if the gangrene progresses. It is not clear whether this is a true vasculitis 

Smoking: If you are a smoker you must make a sincere and determined effort to give up completely. Tobacco is harmful as it causes the blood vessels to constrict the blood flow to the fingertips. 

Eating for warmth: Eating and drinking can help you keep warm. Try to eat lots of small meals to maintain your energy. High protein foods, milk, meat, fish, and fresh vegetables are best. Hot meals and plenty of hot drinks are essential. 

Exercise: Gentle exercise will help your circulation. Try to avoid sitting for long periods. Get up and walk around the room. Move arms and legs to maintain the circulation. Do not let your fingers or toes get cold. In cold weather take exercise indoors. 

Clothing: Tight clothing should be avoided as this may restrict blood flow. Hands and feet should always be adequately covered. A scarf should be used to keep the face warm, in cold weather, and a hat and several layers of clothing should be used to keep the head and trunk warm. Feet are especially prone to cooling so a good thick pair of socks is essential. Wet shoes and clothes should be changed as soon as possible. 

How are they treated? 

GP or specialist may prescribe a vasodilator, which is a drug that relaxes the blood vessels. 

Occasionally your specialist may feel an operation called a sympathectomy may be of benefit. This involves either cutting or destroying the nerves that cause the arteries to constrict. This operation is more successful for Raynaud's of the feet. Sympathectomy is not recommended for most cases as it does not usually produce longer term benefits.

Secondary Raynaud's Disease is caused by another medical condition: usually an autoimmune condition like scleroderma or lupus. Raynaud's phenomenon can be associated with various diseases that affect arteries, such as: the build-up of plaques in blood vessels that feed the heart (atherosclerosis); or a disorder in which the blood vessels of the hands and feet become inflamed (Buerger's disease).

Secondary Raynaud's needs more investigation and more careful monitoring for complications like ulceration or sores. 

This is more serious and early accurate diagnosis is essential. 

Primary pulmonary hypertension (a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries of the lungs) can be linked to Raynaud's. 

Volcanic Dry Carbon Dioxide absorbs through the skin while sitting in an amphitheatre-like pools.  The colour and odourless gas  enters through the  skin, hair follicles into the the capillaries and connective tissues. 

During the treatment, the blood vessels diameter expands-vasodilation, oxygen, nutrients and glucose transport increases,  blood flow increases, waste products will be removed and the affected will start to revitalise. 

side effects

The client, within a the first couple of minutes  experiences cold sweat and pleasant heat. and

Benefit that last up to six months

Blood pressure is decreased: 15-20mmHg Systolic and 10-15mmHg Diastolic.

Helps to alleviate Stroke related Neuropathic pain

Generates energy and alleviates low fatigue level

Improves mood and anxiety as more energy will be generated and improvement will be visible

Alleviate wheezing

Helps with lymphatic fluid/ gravitational oedema-will be able to wear shoes properly

Gradually walking distance will improve

Will be able self-management in daily tasks to a certain level

Cognition will improve to a certain degree

Eyesight strength will improve

Helps to improve independence and improves quality of life