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Vasculitis
Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels. It can reduce blood flow to organs and tissues, and ranges from mild skin involvement to serious disease affecting internal organs.
Causes & risk factors
- Autoimmune reaction against blood vessels
- Certain infections
- Reactions to some medicines
- Linked to other autoimmune diseases
- Unknown cause in many cases
Common symptoms
- Skin rash or purple spots
- Fever
- Tiredness
- Joint and muscle aches
- Unintended weight loss
- Numbness or weakness
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- Medicines to reduce inflammation, as prescribed
- Immune-suppressing medicines for severe disease
- Treating any underlying cause or infection
- Regular monitoring of organs
- Long-term follow-up to prevent relapse
When to see a doctor urgently
- A new purple rash with fever or feeling unwell
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
- Numbness, weakness or breathing difficulty
- Blood in the urine
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about vasculitis. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is vasculitis serious?
It can range from mild to life-threatening depending on which vessels and organs are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment improve outcomes.
Can vasculitis come back after treatment?
Yes, some types can relapse, which is why long-term monitoring and taking medicines as advised are important.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.