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The truth about these mouth ulcers: How does Behcet's disease affect your life?
Behcet's disease, a rare autoimmune disorder, has been a headache for the medical community since it was first described by Turkish dermatologist Hulusi Behçet in 1937. The disease mainly affects multiple areas, and the most common symptom is painful ulcers in the mouth, accompanied by discomfort in other parts of the body. These ulcers are not only painful but can persist for days or weeks, making daily life difficult for many patients.
The pain of Behcet's disease patients is often difficult to describe in words. They bear the physical and psychological stress brought by ulcers and inflammation.
Symptoms and Effects
The symptoms of Behcet's disease vary, with oral ulcers being the most common manifestation. Almost all patients will develop some form of painful ulcer in the mouth, similar to ulcers in the oral mucosa. In addition, genital ulcers, eye inflammation and arthritis are also main symptoms of this disease.
Eye effects
About 20% of patients may face permanent vision loss as eye inflammation may lead to lasting visual impairment. Painful eyes, red and swollen conjunctiva, and blurred vision are signs of possible eye inflammation.
Sometimes, visual impairment is not immediately apparent, making it difficult for patients to realize the severity of the condition in the early stages.
Intestines and other organs
Some people also experience intestinal problems, including abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. These symptoms sometimes resemble irritable bowel syndrome, but they can also be confused with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. If the lungs are damaged, dangerous signs such as coughing up blood may occur.
Pathogenic mechanism
The cause of Behcet's disease is still unknown, but research suggests that the disease may involve autoinflammation of blood vessels. Genetic factors are the key element, and the incidence rate is higher among family members. Numerous studies have shown that certain infections may trigger an autoimmune response to the disease.
For this disease that shows obvious regional differences around the world, the scientific community is still conducting in-depth research in the hope of identifying potential sources of infection.
Diagnosis and treatment
Currently, the diagnosis of Behcet's disease mainly relies on clinical symptoms, and there is no specific pathological detection method. For confirmed patients, doctors will evaluate them according to the criteria of the international research group.
Treatment methods mainly focus on alleviating symptoms and controlling inflammation. Commonly used drugs include immunosuppressants and steroids. Although there is currently no cure for Behcet's disease, some specific symptoms have been shown to be effective.
Quality of life challenges
Living under the shadow of Behcet's disease, many patients' daily lives are significantly affected, from study to work, and even social activities may be restricted due to repeated attacks of the disease. For example, the pain of oral ulcers makes eating difficult, thus affecting nutritional intake. Vision problems and joint pain may also prevent patients from participating in normal social activities.
Behcet's disease is not only a physical illness, but also takes a toll on the patient's mental health. Many patients feel desperate because they cannot live a normal life.
Future Outlook
Our understanding of Behcet's disease is still accumulating, and with the deepening of medical research, more effective treatments are expected to be found in the future. However, patients with this disease, where symptoms persist and recur, need to adapt themselves and actively seek medical support to relieve their pain.
When faced with this complex disease, can we find a glimmer of hope and the strength to persevere amidst the difficulties of life?
