Arteritis is an inflammation of the blood vessels which causes great damage to them, these vessels are the ones that supply blood to the head, neck and upper part of the body, including the arms. This disease is also known as giant cell arteritis. And it occurs in diseases such as tuberculosis, syphilis and lupus erythematosus.
This disease attacks not only the great arteries but also the medium ones causing the same damage. It produces inflammation, swelling, as well as sensitivity in the vessels that supply blood to the brain organ and upper limbs of the body. It is more common in the arteries located in the temple, since these are the ones that branch towards the carotid (artery located in the neck).
Arteritis often develops in people over the age of fifty and of Northern European descent. Studies have revealed that this giant cell disease can be inherited.
There are several symptoms that giant cell arteritis presents, among the most common are:
Headache, this can be on one side as a twinge or on the back of it, sensitivity when the person touches the scalp, fever, general malaise, as well as jaw pain when chewing, muscle aches, weakness and excessive fatigue.
Other symptoms that this disease produces are in the sight and sometimes they can appear suddenly. Blurred vision, double vision, even blindness.
The treatment that the person must receive to treat this disease or prevent it must be key, since if it is not treated in time it can cause problems such as cardiovascular accidents. Among the medications prescribed to attack the disease are corticosteroids by mouth, as well as acetylsalicylic acid.
If the treatment is adequate, the person suffering from the disease begins to see improvement after a few days, although it is necessary for the individual to consume the dose recommended by the specialist for at least a year.
While the person suffering from arthritis is consuming the treatment, they should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as taking a lot of calcium and vitamin D. Another recommendation is to do exercises such as walking and finally go regularly to the family doctor to do the corresponding check-up.
