Scleroderma (cont.)
What are symptoms of scleroderma?
The symptoms of scleroderma depend on the type of scleroderma present and the
extent of external and internal involvement in the individual affected. Because
scleroderma can affect the skin, esophagus, blood vessels, kidneys, lungs, blood
pressure and bowels, the symptoms it causes can involve many areas of the body.
Scleroderma affects the skin to cause local or widespread signs of
inflammation (redness, swelling, tenderness, itching, and pain) that can lead to
skin tightness or hardening. These skin changes can be widespread, but it's most
common for them to affect the fingers, feet, face, and neck. This can lead to decreased
range of motion of the fingers, toes, and jaw. Tiny areas of calcification (calcinosis),
while not common, can sometimes be noticed as hard nodules at the tips of the
elbows or in the fingers.
Scleroderma affecting the esophagus leads to heartburn. This is directly a
result of stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus. Sometimes this can
lead to scarring of the esophagus with difficulty swallowing and/or localized
pain in the central chest.
Blood vessels that can be affected include the tiny arterioles of the finger
tips, toes, and elsewhere. These vessels can have a tendency to spasm when the
areas are exposed to cold, leading to blueness, whiteness, and redness of
involved fingers, toes, and sometimes nose or ears. These color changes are
referred to as Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's phenomenon can cause inadequate
supply of oxygen to the involve tips of fingers or toes, causing tiny ulcers or
blackened (dead) skin. Sometimes Raynaud's phenomenon is also associated with
tingling. Other blood vessels that can be involved in scleroderma are the tiny
capillaries of the face, lips, mouth, or fingers. These capillaries widen
(dilate) forming tiny, red blanching spots, called telangiectasias.
Elevated blood pressure is potentially serious and can lead to kidney damage.
Symptoms include headache, fatigue, and in severe cases, stroke.
Inflammation of the lungs in scleroderma can cause scarring, resulting in
shortness of breath, especially with physical exertion. Elevated pressure in the
arteries to the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) can also cause shortness of
breath and difficulty getting an adequate breath with activity.
Scleroderma affecting the large bowel (colon) most often causes constipation
but can also lead to cramping and diarrhea. When this is severe, it complete
stool blockage (fecal impaction) can result.
Next: How is scleroderma diagnosed? »
- pantoprazole, Protonix - Explains the medication pantoprazole (Protonix), a drug used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), like other PPI's it also is used for treating ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, and the Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
- Colonoscopy - Learn about the colonscopy procedure, what it is, why it is performed, preparation, complications, alternatives and the after effects of the screening exam on MedicineNet.com
- High Blood Pressure - Learn about high blood pressure symptoms like headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, blurred vision and more. Causes, and normal blood pressure information is included.
Latest Medical News
Arthritis RSS