Collagen vascular disease is a broad term used for a group of diseases that can affect the connective tissues of the body. A protein-based connective tissue that forms a support system for your skin, collagen is responsible to bind ligaments, bones, and muscles together. The ailment, which is also called connective tissue disease, collagen vascular disease is a genetic problem and can be inherited from one’s parents, or in some cases, it can be an autoimmune disorder that is resulting from the activity of the body’s immune system against itself. 
collagen vascular disease

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The following are the types of autoimmune collagen vascular disease:

  • Lupus
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Scleroderma
  • Temporal arteritis

The following are types of hereditary collagen disease:

Also Read: Collagen: The Protein Behind Healthy Skin And Joints

Causes Of Collagen Vascular Disease

The primary cause of collagen vascular disease is an autoimmune disease which means that your immune system mistakenly attacks your body’s healthy tissues in its attempt to protect them against the outside environment. This may usually cause inflammation and several health problems. In the case of bone-related collagen vascular disease, the immune system causes inflammation mostly in the nearby joints.

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Symptoms Of Collagen Vascular Disease

Though symptoms of collagen vascular diseases vary according to the specific and related ailment it is connected to, most forms of collagen vascular disease will show certain general symptoms. Thus, people with collagen vascular disorders may experience the following:

  • Muscle weakness and fatigue
  • Low-grade fever
  • Body aches
  • Joint pains and aches
  • Rashes on the skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Mild chest pain
  • Sudden headaches
  • Dry eyes and mouth
  • Ulcers and sores in the mouth 

Symptoms Of People With Lupus And Rheumatoid Arthritis And Scleroderma

People with lupus may have additional symptoms and long periods of remission without any visible symptoms. Symptoms can aggravate after prolonged exposure to sunlight as well. Stress may also cause a sudden flare of symptoms. People with rheumatoid arthritis will suffer from inflammation of the connective tissue between the joints causing mild to severe pain and morning stiffness.  In this form of collagen vascular disease, your blood vessels or the lining of your heart can also get swollen. Another form of CVD is a scleroderma-an autoimmune disease that can affect your heart, lungs, digestive tract, and other organs. This ailment may also cause an additional bout of symptoms that may include hardening of the skin with multiple rashes or even sores. Scleroderma can cause severe coughing, breathing difficulties, acid reflux, and joint pain.

Diagnosis of Collagen Vascular Disease

To diagnose collagen vascular disease, the doctor may examine your muscles, skin, and joints besides advising tests such as imaging tests, CT scans, and X-rays to check for bone-related problems. In some cases, a complete urinalysis can also be asked to test your urine for signs of an infection or to look for abnormalities of some kind of protein.  Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is a helpful test that can help to look for many problems related to CVD.

Also Read: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: What Is It And What To Expect?

Treatment For Collagen Vascular Disease

Like the symptoms of this health disorder, the treatment for collagen vascular disease also varies according to the severity of an individual’s health condition. But more often, certain immunosuppressant medications and corticosteroids are usually given to cure collagen vascular-related connective tissue diseases. Corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation and to normalize the immune system. Immunosuppressants help to lower the immune system’s response to antibodies. This means that if the immune functionality is lower, the body will not attack its tissues as much. However, immunosuppressants can cause long-term side effects and can lower immunity levels, increasing the risk of becoming sick and catching infections. Apart from these two forms of treatment, physical therapies can also help to treat collagen vascular disease to a large extent. These exercises can help the patient to retain mobility and help to reduce joint and muscle pain.