Behcet Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
A chronic and rare disease, Behcet disease causes inflammation of the eyes, mouth, skin, joints, blood vessels, brain, and genitals. This disease can affect anyone, but is more common in people of Middle Eastern and Asian descent. The exact cause of Behcet disease is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by an abnormal immune response to certain environmental or genetic factors.
Symptoms of Behcet Disease
The symptoms of Behcet disease vary from person to person and may come and go in cycles. Some of the most common symptoms include:
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Painful mouth sores (also called aphthous ulcers) that can affect the tongue, gums, cheeks, and lips
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Eye inflammation (also called uveitis) that can cause redness, pain, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light
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Skin lesions (also called erythema nodosum) that appear as red, tender, and raised bumps on the legs, arms, or face
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Genital sores that can affect the vulva, vagina, scrotum, penis, or anus
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Joint pain and swelling (also called arthritis) that can affect the knees, ankles, wrists, elbows, or hips
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Blood vessel inflammation (also called vasculitis) that can cause headaches, fever, stroke, or blood clots
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Brain inflammation (also called neuro-Behcet) that can cause confusion, memory loss, seizures, or personality changes
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Digestive system inflammation that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, or ulcers
Diagnosis of Behcet Disease
The diagnosis of Behcet disease is based on the clinical signs and symptoms, as well as the exclusion of other possible causes. Besides performing a physical examination and asking about the patient's medical history and family history, the doctor may order blood tests, imaging tests, or biopsies to rule out other conditions.
Treatment of Behcet Disease
There is no cure for Behcet disease, but the treatment aims to reduce the inflammation and prevent the complications. The treatment may include:
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Medications, such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, biologics, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to control the inflammation and suppress the immune system
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Eye drops, injections, or surgery, to treat the eye inflammation and prevent vision loss
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Topical creams, ointments, or mouthwashes, to soothe the mouth and genital sores
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Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, stress, spicy foods, or dental trauma, to prevent the triggers and reduce the frequency of the flares
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Supportive care, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or counseling, to cope with the pain, disability, or emotional distress
Prevention of Behcet Disease
There is no known way to prevent Behcet disease, but some steps may help to reduce the risk of complications and improve the quality of life. These include:
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Following the doctor's advice and taking the medications as prescribed
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Monitoring the symptoms and reporting any changes or worsening to the doctor
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Seeking regular eye exams and dental check-ups
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Protecting the eyes and skin from the sun and other irritants
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Maintaining a healthy weight, diet, and exercise routine
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Joining a support group or online community for people with Behcet disease
