Buerger’s disease is a condition characterized by narrowing or blockage of arteries and veins. This reduces blood flow to other parts of the body, including the legs and arms, which causes muscle damage and chronic pain. Although Buerger’s disease is extremely rare in this country, it still affects 12 to 20 people per 100,000 in the general population. The disease appears to be more common in countries where smoking is high.
This raises the question: what is the connection between Buerger’s disease and smoking? Continue reading below to find out, and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing this condition.
What is the relationship between Buerger’s disease and smoking?
The causes of Buerger’s disease have not yet been determined by research. However, Medical News confirms that the disease is related to smoking. Scientists believe that chemicals found in tobacco disrupt blood vessels, which causes inflammation. Also, almost every patient diagnosed with this disease is a smoker or smoker.
Aside from smoking, Buerger’s disease is thought to be an autoimmune disease. If this should be true, then genes may play a role in the development of the disease. Therefore, if you are a smoker who also has a family member with Buerger’s disease, you may be more likely to be diagnosed.
What are the symptoms and treatment options for Buerger’s disease?
The most common symptom of Buerger’s disease is severe pain in the arms and/or legs—even when you are breathing. In some cases, a person may experience tension in the legs, which leads to fainting. Our article ‘Why Are My Hands and Feet Always Cold?’ It also says that cold hands and feet are another symptom that may indicate anemia.
There is currently no cure for this disease. Medicines cannot cure, although they can help reduce the symptoms that cause it. Surgery can also restore blood flow to affected areas. In severe cases, amputation of a hand or foot may be necessary to prevent infection and muscle damage.
In the end, the best way to prevent this disease is to stop smoking.
How to quit smoking to reduce your risk of developing Buerger’s disease
Quitting smoking is not an everyday task. It should be done slowly to prevent loss. One way to do this is to switch to smokeless alternatives such as nicotine pouches and patches.
A nicotine pack contains different levels of nicotine depending on your needs. It is placed in the mouth, between the lips and the gums, where the nicotine is absorbed into the bloodstream. Prilla’s premium nicotine packs are available in a variety of strengths and flavors. The strength refers to the amount of nicotine in each bag, ranging from 2mg to 10mg. You can start with a strong pack and lower your nicotine intake over time.
On the other hand, nicotine patches are placed on the skin for several hours. The nicotine is then absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream.
The Habitrol nicotine patch can be used up to 24 hours. They are usually transparent and available in shades of skin color, so they are discreet, in addition to being easy to use.
Buerger’s disease is still not cured. By looking for smoke-free alternatives to help you quit smoking over time, you can avoid suffering the effects of this disease.