OverviewWhat is Raynaud’s syndrome?Raynaud’s (pronounced ray-nodes) syndrome is a disorder that affects small blood vessels in your fingers and toes. It may also affect blood vessels in your nose, lips or ear lobes. Raynaud’s causes you to have episodic spasms, called vasospastic attacks, in response to cold temperatures or stress. Show
During a Raynaud’s attack, the arterioles and capillaries in your fingers and toes tighten more than they should. As a result, your skin in the affected area turns white and then blue. This color change happens because your blood lacks oxygen. Your skin may also feel cold or numb. As your blood vessels relax and open up again, your skin may look red or feel tingly. An attack usually lasts around 15 minutes. What are the different types of Raynaud’s syndrome?There are two main types of Raynaud’s syndrome:
The chart below lists what you should know about each type.
What is the difference between Raynaud’s disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon and Raynaud’s syndrome?Most people use these terms interchangeably. But scientists use them to distinguish between primary and secondary forms of the condition.
Is Raynaud’s syndrome serious?Primary Raynaud’s syndrome isn’t serious and doesn’t damage your blood vessels. It may disrupt some of your daily activities, but it’s not dangerous. Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome can be more serious. It may lead to skin ulcers and, rarely, tissue death (gangrene). It may also impact your quality of life. The underlying disease causing it may be severe in and of itself. Who does Raynaud’s syndrome affect?Primary Raynaud’s syndrome usually affects:
Secondary Raynaud’s syndrome usually affects people who have another disease or condition. It can also affect people who perform a job that puts repetitive pressure on their hands. Here are some facts to know:
How common is Raynaud’s syndrome?Raynaud’s syndrome is common. Estimates vary, but Raynaud’s likely affects up to 1 in 20 people in the U.S. How does Raynaud’s syndrome affect my body?Raynaud’s syndrome is an exaggerated version of a normal body process called vasomotor response. Vasomotor response means your blood vessels open up (vasodilation) and tighten (vasoconstriction) to help your body respond to its environment. For example, if it’s cold outside, blood vessels near your skin’s surface constrict to move blood to veins deeper in your body. This allows your body to conserve heat. Your blood vessels also constrict when you’re stressed to help your body save oxygen. Raynaud’s disrupts this normal body process and causes your blood vessels to constrict more than they should. This interrupts your normal blood flow and limits the oxygen available to your fingers or toes. How does Raynaud’s disease affect my heart?Primary Raynaud’s syndrome doesn’t affect your heart. But conditions associated with secondary Raynaud’s syndrome may affect your heart. Talk with your healthcare provider to learn if your condition affects your heart. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome?Raynaud’s symptoms affect your skin and may include:
Symptoms of Raynaud’s syndrome are episodic. That means they come and go. A typical episode, or attack, lasts about 15 minutes. But attacks may be shorter or longer. Episodes are often associated with certain triggers such as cold weather. Symptoms are usually mild in people with primary Raynaud’s syndrome. People with secondary Raynaud’s syndrome may have more severe symptoms, including skin ulcers. Raynaud’s can cause your skin to change color briefly . It may first look white before turning blue then red. Your skin may also feel cold or numb at the start of an attack due to reduced blood flow. When blood flow returns, your fingers may feel warm or throb. What triggers Raynaud’s disease?Triggers that can lead to a Raynaud’s attack include:
What causes Raynaud’s syndrome?Primary Raynaud’s syndrome has no identifiable underlying cause. An underlying disease or condition usually causes secondary Raynaud’s syndrome (Raynaud’s phenomenon). It’s especially common in people with connective tissue diseases. Some of these diseases reduce blood flow to your fingers and toes. Other causes include repetitive motions and some medications. The lists below break down the many causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Diseases and conditions that can cause Raynaud’s phenomenon
Medications and substances that can cause Raynaud’s phenomenon
Other causes of Raynaud’s phenomenon
Diagnosis and TestsHow is Raynaud’s syndrome diagnosed?Healthcare providers can typically diagnose Raynaud’s syndrome from your symptoms. Your provider may ask you to take photos of your skin changes when they happen. Your provider may also perform a physical exam and talk with you about your medical and family history. Raynaud’s syndrome is usually easy to diagnose. But it may not be obvious whether you have the primary or secondary form. That’s where diagnostic testing can help. What tests diagnose Raynaud’s syndrome?Several diagnostic tests can help determine if you have primary or secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. One test that’s particularly useful is a nailfold capillaroscopy. For this test, your provider places a drop of oil on your skin at the base of your fingernail. This spot is called your nailfold. Your provider then looks at your nailfold under a microscope. If your capillaries in the area are enlarged or abnormal, you may have a connective tissue disease. This would indicate you likely have secondary Raynaud’s syndrome. Other tests your provider may order include:
These tests can help your provider identify or rule out underlying conditions as causes of your Raynaud’s symptoms. Who treats Raynaud’s syndrome?You may receive care from healthcare providers in different specialties. That’s because Raynaud’s syndrome can affect your body in many ways. It can also result from a wide range of medical conditions. Providers who may help with your diagnosis and treatment include:
Management and TreatmentWhat is the treatment for Raynaud’s syndrome?Treatment depends on the severity of your condition and whether you have the primary or secondary form. Treatment goals include:
For many people, lifestyle changes are enough to manage their condition. These include:
However, if you have severe symptoms, you may need medication. Your provider may prescribe one or more of the following medications:
If you have severe Raynaud’s and other treatment methods don’t work, your provider may recommend a procedure called a sympathectomy. A sympathectomy temporarily blocks or cuts tiny nerves near your affected blood vessels. This prevents the nerves from sending signals that make your blood vessels get too narrow. The procedure should relieve your symptoms for one or two years, but you may need it again in the future. PreventionHow can I prevent Raynaud’s syndrome?There’s nothing you can do to prevent Raynaud’s syndrome. But you can help prevent attacks by learning your triggers and taking action to avoid them. It’s also important to visit your provider for yearly checkups. Doing so can help your provider diagnose and treat underlying conditions that may cause Raynaud’s phenomenon. Some of these conditions are preventable with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding tobacco products. Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have Raynaud’s syndrome?For most people with primary Raynaud’s syndrome, the outlook is positive. Symptoms may bother you off and on, but the condition isn’t serious or life-threatening. Over time, you’ll learn more self-care tips for preventing attacks or helping them go away. If you have secondary Raynaud’s syndrome, your outlook depends on your underlying disease. Talk with your provider about what you can expect and how to manage your condition. Living WithHow do I take care of myself?Self-care is essential for managing Raynaud’s syndrome. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on how to avoid triggers and how to manage an attack when it happens. The following tips can also help. How to avoid Raynaud’s triggers
Also, it’s important to know which medications can trigger an attack. Ask your provider if any of your current medications could cause your condition to flare up. These include some medications that treat:
How to manage a Raynaud’s attackIf an attack does happen, be proactive. Don’t ignore a Raynaud’s attack or assume it’ll go away on its own. Taking the proper steps can reduce the length and severity of an attack. Here’s what to do:
When should I see my healthcare provider?Call your provider if you:
As with any condition, see your provider any time you’re worried, frightened or have questions about how to care for yourself. How can I help my child manage Raynaud’s syndrome?Primary Raynaud’s disease often begins during the teenage years. Rarely, it can begin earlier. So, if your child or teen starts to have symptoms, take them to see their healthcare provider. Their provider may want to run tests to rule out an underlying condition. Usually, Raynaud’s in kids and teens is mild, and symptoms should ease as your child gets older. The same management tips for adults also can help your child. For example, dress your child warmly in cold weather (and give them two pairs of mittens to wear rather than just one). Keep your home and car warm, and avoid air conditioning that’s too cold. It’s also important to tell administrators at your child’s school about their condition. Your child may need special permission to avoid outdoor activities (like gym class) during the colder months. A note from Cleveland Clinic Raynaud’s syndrome is a common condition that may affect your quality of life. Learning how to care for yourself at home can help you avoid and manage Raynaud’s attacks. If your symptoms are preventing you from doing the things you love, talk with your provider about treatment options. It may also help to connect with a support group to learn from others living with the same condition. What is the psychological response of losing a loved one to death called?Grief is a person's emotional response to loss. Mourning is an outward expression of that grief, including cultural and religious customs surrounding the death. It is also the process of adapting to life after loss. Bereavement is a period of grief and mourning after a loss.
What is an example of loss oriented coping?Examples of loss-oriented coping include visiting a loved one's headstone, talking with others about a loved one's passing, as well as returning to memories focused on the lost loved one (Richardson, 2006). Restoration-oriented coping, however, addresses secondary stressors associated with coping with a loss.
What does bereavement mean?Bereavement is the experience of losing someone important to us. It is characterised by grief, which is the process and the range of emotions we go through as we gradually adjust to the loss. Losing someone important to us can be emotionally devastating - whether that be a partner, family member, friend or pet.
What is the state of loss brought about by death?Grief is your emotional response to the experience of loss. Mourning is the process of adjusting to life after a loss. It is influenced by your society, culture, and religion. Bereavement is the period of time when you experience grief.
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