Treatment of vasculitis: what drugs will help? Surgery, rehabilitation and diet

Treatment in the acute phase is aimed at relieving inflammation. Remission is a period when the disease is inactive. Subsequently, in some cases, additional treatment is needed to prevent relapse - which is the re-emergence of symptoms.

Whether vasculitis can be completely suppressed is questionable and individual. So is the question around quality of life.

However, treatment is essential and must be timely to avoid complications and irreversible organ damage. 

Therapy is chosen after diagnosis and assessment of whether it is primary or secondary and according to the subtype of vasculitis.

In addition, the medications used in the treatment also have their side effects and it often happens that they also add to the overall discomfort.

Medications used include:

• corticosteroids
• immunosuppressive drugs in autoimmune forms
• antirheumatic anti-inflammatory drugs, non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs
• analgesics
• disease-modifying drugs
• antiplatelet treatment to reduce the risk of blood clotting
• anticoagulants
• antihistamines
• antibiotics in bacterial infection and topical
• topical and creams - skin symptoms

Angiography is an invasive method that has diagnostic and therapeutic significance. Depending on the damage to the vessel, angioplasty, stenting and others are performed.

Surgical treatment is necessary for irreversible necrotic skin damage.

A change in lifestyle is also important. This includes, for example, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, getting enough appropriate physical activity and avoiding stress.

Modification of eating habits is also very important, including rehabilitation, spa treatments, and physiotherapy.