Collagen vascular disease is a term used to describe a group of diseases that causes collagen complications in the body. Collagen, a type of protein in the body, helps provide structure to the bones, tendons and other connective tissues. People who develop collagen vascular disease signs and symptoms should consult a physician for further evaluation and care.
Fever
Damage to internal body structures that contain collagen induces an inflammatory response by the immune system. This inflammatory signal can result in an increase in a person's body temperature. Consequently, people with collagen vascular disease can develop a fever as a sign of this condition, explain medical professionals with PDRHealth. People with fever can appear flushed and may begin to sweat. Additional symptoms associated with fever can include chills and headaches. A fever can also be a sign of alternate medical conditions, such as the flu or common cold. People who develop an unusually high or persistent fever should seek care from a medical professional.
Anemia
People with collagen vascular disease can develop anemia as a symptom, warn health experts with MedlinePlus. Anemia occurs when a person has an unusually low level of blood cells within the body. Symptoms of anemia can include pale skin, excessive fatigue, dizziness, headache, heart rate irregularities, breathing difficulties or unusually cold extremities. Without treatment, the symptoms of anemia can become progressively more severe.
Inflamed Joints
Collagen vascular disease can result in collagen degradation within a person's joints. As the collagen degrades, affected people can develop symptoms of severe joint inflammation, according to University of Tennessee Medical Center health professionals. Joint inflammation can cause affected joints to appear unusually swollen or tender to the touch. People with this type of disease can have difficulty bending and flexing the affected joint normally. Persistent joint inflammation can also cause chronic pain symptoms in people with collagen vascular disease.
Fatigue or Weakness
People with this type of disease can experience excessive fatigue as a symptom, explain medical professionals with the Scleroderma Care Foundation. Increased fatigue may be accompanied by muscle or body weakness in certain people. Affected people can have difficulty performing normal daily tasks associated with work or school due to fatigue symptoms. Additionally, excessive fatigue can make it difficult for people to concentrate and remain alert throughout the day.
