This article is all about Behcet’s Disease which is also known as Behcet’s syndrome. It is an uncommon autoimmune condition in which the eyes and blood vessels throughout the body get inflamed. It usually affects the areas around your mouth or genitals and develops sores. It can be recurring and may cause numerous other problems in your body. Behcet’s disease is also known as the Silk Road disease as it was first seen in people who belonged from the region.

Symptoms of Behcet’s Disease

The symptoms of Behcet’s disease can differ in people depending upon the severity of the disease, and which part of the body is affected. As stated earlier, this is a very rare condition that causes inflammation in the veins and arteries of your body. The following are the symptoms of Behcet’s disease depending upon which body part it affected:

Blood vessels

Behcet’s disease may affect both the deep and shallow veins. The inflammation of veins and arteries throughout the human body can lead to blood clots.  Blood clots can cause severe pain and redness in the affected areas. Behcet’s disease can also affect the largest vein in the body which is known as the vena cava. In such a case, your body will be at risk of serious health issues. Clots or blockage in the veins and arteries stop the blood from flowing to the body parts, which is not a normal thing.

Sores on genitals

Behcet’s disease can cause sores on and around your genitals. These sores are just like those that appear in the mouth but are not as common as them. They can be extremely painful. In men, these appear on the scrotum and in women, these are most likely to be seen on the vulva. They might be open sores and may leave scars.

Inflammation in the eyes

Behcet’s syndrome can cause inflammation in the eyes. An inflamed eye may be very painful and cause redness, tears, blurry vision, or light sensitivity. This disease will eventually lead to impaired vision. The condition can be recurring and therefore reappear after getting cured. It is very common that Behcet’s disease causes blindness in regions of Japan and the Middle East.

Skin problems

Various types of skin problems are a very common symptom of Behcet’s disease. These skin conditions may include acne, ulcers, erythema nodosum, etc. Red sores or bumps may appear if these are scratched or pricked.  Other skin conditions that Behcet’s disease can cause include red and raised skin patches, especially on legs.

Mouth sores

Like the sores on genitalia, Behcet’s disease causes mouth sores. These are just like the usual canker sores. It is a very common symptom of Behcet’s disease. It usually appears in all the patients as raised and round lesions which become painful ulcers very rapidly. Mouth sores are very much painful and frequent. In most cases, it is the first symptom of Behcet’s disease that a person may notice. The mouth sores or ulcers are seen on the lips, tongue, and inside the cheeks.

Lesions in the Digestive system

Behcet’s disease is known to affect the working of the digestive system significantly. It may cause severe pain in the abdomen, bleeding in your stool due to lesions, diarrhea, etc. Lesions in the digestive tract are more dangerous as compared to others as they can cause the intestines to get damaged and bleed.

Pain in joints

Pain in joints due to Behcet’s disease is very common. The joints in hips, elbows, knees, and ankles are most likely to be affected and get inflamed. It does not really cause any permanent damage.

Inflammation of brain

Behcet’s disease can cause inflammation in the brain which can result in high fever, stiffness in the neck, headache, and difficulty in movement.  The blood vessels can get blocked and cause a stroke.

Causes of Behcet’s disease

Behcet’s disease is an autoimmune condition that is caused when the white cells attack the healthy cells of the body mistakenly. Following are considered as the most probable causes of Behcet’s disease:

• You can acquire Behcet’s disease through genes.
• Scientists believe that certain viruses or bacteria may trigger Behcet’s disease in people.
• Environmental factors are known to increase the risk of developing Behcet’s disease.

Diagnosis of Behcet’s disease

If you feel that you have acquired Behcet’s disease, you must see a doctor right away. Neither can you diagnose this disease on your own nor does any test determine whether you have Behcet’s disease? Your doctor will check you thoroughly for the presence of all significant symptoms of Behcet’s disease and diagnose accordingly.

How does Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) treat Behcet’s disease?

People who are suffering from chronic pain due to autoimmune conditions like Behcet’s disease may feel the use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) very surreal. But it is proven that using a small dose of naltrexone can help release the endorphins that destroy the killer cells or cancer cells. Most of the doctors are still unaware of this medicine, they don’t know what it is and what it can do.

You can find low dose naltrexone (LDN) in all forms from the harbor compounding pharmacy. Please visit their website for more details.