Understanding Vasculitis: Causes, Symptoms & Risk Factors

Inflammation of the blood vessels, or vasculitis, is a medical condition that can thicken or weaken the walls of the blood vessels and reduce the flow of blood. Vasculitis can develop without a known cause or from other medical conditions.

Infections

• According to Mayo Clinic, blood vessel inflammation can develop from some viral infections, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Immune System

• Immune system diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren̵7;s syndrome, can lead to vasculitis.

Allergies

• Blood vessel inflammation can develop as an allergic reaction to a drug that is used by a patient. Patients with vasculitis should inform their doctors of all medications that they take.

Cancer

• Blood cell cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia, can cause blood vessels to become inflamed.

Symptoms

• People with vasculitis may observe weight loss, fatigue and fever. Joint and muscle pain and feelings of numbness in the body can occur with this disease.