1. A Total Body Disease
Behcet's (pronounced beh-CHETS) Syndrome or Disease is a disease of the immune system causing inflammation of blood vessels that can occur most anywhere in the body. First discovered in Turkey in 1924 by dermatologist Hulusi Behcet, the disease is not common in the United States and is seen more predominantly in the Middle East and in Asian countries such as China and Japan. Striking mainly both men and women in their 20s and 30s, it seems to be more severe in men and can also be seen in people younger and older.
2. Sore Signs of Behcet's Syndrome
Behcet's Syndrome is most characterized by ulcer-like sores or lesions in the mouth and on the skin and genitals. These occur in crops or clusters and are painful. It can also cause swelling in the blood vessels of the eyes, leading to redness, tearing, blurred vision and sensitivity to bright lights. Swelling and pain in the joints is also possible in Behcet's Syndrome if the blood vessels of these joints are affected. The digestive system and brain might also be victim to Behcet's Syndrome, resulting in a variety of symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea, headaches and imbalance.
3. A Symptomatic Diagnosis
To date, there are no specific medical tests that determine the presence of Behcet's Syndrome. An examination of the symptoms is the only way to arrive at a diagnosis. Blood and other tests are performed only to rule out other diseases. An established criteria for the diagnosis of Behcet's Syndrome include the appearance of mouth sores more than twice in one year coupled with at least one of the other usual symptoms (genital sores, eye inflammation or skin lesions or rashes). A pathergy test of the skin (pricking the skin with a needle and producing red nodules) might be used to determine Behcet's.
4. From Bad to Worse
In some cases, there is the risk of the disease causing complications as a result of the symptoms. For instance, eye inflammation might lead to blindness, or if the brain is involved, the chances of a stroke increase. Arthritis can result from joint inflammation associated with this disease. Inflammation of blood vessels can lead to the oxygen supply to organs and tissues becomes hindered, causing complications. The disease might leave lasting reminders as well; genital sores, for example, can leave scars in that area.
5. Fighting This Uncommon Opponent
As no medical tests exist to determine Behcet's Syndrome, so too is there no treatment specifically designed for the disease. The only option for those suffering from Behcet's Syndrome is to fight the symptoms. The disease does have periods of remission between flare-ups. Control of whatever symptoms you are displaying can be maintained with use of skin creams for rashes, medicated eyedrops for inflamed eyes and mouth rinses for sores. Medications that suppress the immune system might also be prescribed.
