by: devika
from e-healtharticles.com
Raynaud's disease is a circulatory condition that affects blood supply to the skin and peripheries and causes the extremities of the body to lose feeling and become numb.
Raynaud's Disease is most commonly associated with cold temperatures and stress and sufferers of this condition will find their toes and fingers feel very cold or may even lose sensation in response to a stressful situation or exposure to cold. During a Raynaud's attack, the arteries and blood capillaries narrow, reducing blood circulation to affected areas, usually the extremities such as toes, fingers, ears and the tip of your nose.
This reduced peripheral blood flow is a normal protective mechanism to prevent excessive heat loss from these areas and preserve the body's core temperature. Similarly, in times of stress the body goes into a 'flight or fight' response which causes the blood flow to the fingers and toes to be significantly reduced so that blood is conserved for the vital organs and muscles.
In people with Raynaud's syndrome these responses are exaggerated causing troublesome symptoms at inappropriate times. The reduced blood flow leaves the extremities looking pale or even blue and cold as no warm blood reaches these areas.
Diagnosing Raynaud's Disease: There are no blood tests that can specifically diagnose Raynaud's syndrome , but generally health care practitioners will make a diagnosis based on the description of your symptoms. Your doctor may examine you and order further tests to rule out other conditions and diseases of the arteries, and to determine if there is a possible underlying condition that is causing Raynaud's.
In some cases your practitioner may ask you to place your hand in cold water to bring on an episode of Raynaud's in order to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Though its causes are not completely understood, Raynaud's seems to be caused by an overreaction of blood vessels in the extremities to temperature and stress. In normal physiology, when a person's body is exposed to cold, the blood vessels in the extremities become narrowed and slow down blood supply to the fingers and toes. In the case of an individual with Raynuad?s these blood vessels narrow dramatically, causing troubling symptoms.
There are two types of Raynaud's Disease,it can develop as a complication of an underlying disorder (Secondary Raynaud's) or it can develop independently in the absence of any other underlying health conditions (Primary Raynauds).
As Raynaud's Disease is related to
poor circulation, the most successful treatment methods are those that provide long-term assistance with circulation problems. Herbal and homeopathic remedies specific to the condition and containing ingredients such as Rosemary, Ginger, and Ginkgo biloba can do just this in a natural manner.Used regularly, these work to effectively restore the function of the circulatory system; improving blood flow to the extremities while helping to prevent tissue damage. These herbal ingredients also address the underlying triggers of Raynaud?s by reducing inflammation and stress levels while working to guard against cold fingers and toes.
Prevention:
Raynaud's Disease is a condition that you have to learn to manage and adapt to. While this may be difficult at times, there are a number of ways to prevent and cope with attacks.
1.Dress warmly outdoors and avoid getting cold. Winter is often a difficult time for those with Raynaud?s so it is essential to cover up with hats, gloves, thick socks and ear muffs in cold weather.
2.Consider moving to a milder climate. While relocation may seem like a huge preventative measure, it is definitely something worth considering if you live in an area with extremely cold winters.
3.Exercise regularly! Keeping fit with a regular exercise routine will encourage circulation and reduce the chances of Raynaud?s attacks.
4.Don't smoke and avoid secondary smoke. The nicotine in cigarettes causes the blood vessels to constrict resulting in a drop in body temperature in the extremities. This can induce an attack so if you are a smoker, try to stop smoking naturally.
5.
Manage your stress levels. Stress is a common trigger of Raynaud's so find ways to recognize and better manage your stress. Avoid those situations that tend to stress you and adopt stress relieving techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises.
6.Look after your hands and feet. Avoid wearing things that may constrict blood flow to these extremities such as tight rings, tight socks or wrist bands.
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