In the vast world of medicine, there is a disease that is both mysterious and alarming. It's not as common as the common cold and not as well-known as epidemic viruses, but its potential risks can't be ignored. This is commonly known as "Oriental Beauty Disease", a rare disease commonly found in East Asian women. Its medical name is "vaso-occlusive disease", but why is there such a mysterious name?
The story begins on an ordinary afternoon, when a young woman suddenly feels cold in her hands and feet, accompanied by a faint pain. At first, I thought it was just caused by fatigue, but I never thought that this was a precursor to the "Oriental Beauty Disease" quietly attacking. What started as a mild symptom quickly turned into a severe blockage of the blood vessels, which even inadvertently led to the loss of the pulse. All this seems to tell us that even the most inconspicuous symptoms may hide hidden crises.
But what kind of illness is it? Why is it more common among Oriental women? And how does it inadvertently have a huge impact on people's lives?
Commonly known as "Oriental beauty's disease", a vasculitic disease, medically called"Buerger's disease"（thromboangiitis obliterans，tao）。Originally described in the early 20th century, this condition mainly affects small and medium-sized arteries and veins in the extremities, leading to vasculitis and thrombosis, which in turn causes blockages in blood vessels. Despite being called "Oriental beauty's disease", the name is not a scientific term, but is based on its characteristics that are more common in Eastern countries and more common in young women.
"Oriental beauty's disease" has typical clinical manifestations, such as pain in the limbs, paresthesia, discoloration, and even ulceration or necrosis of the limbs in severe cases. The disease is still unknown, but studies have shown that smoking and genetic factors may be involved in its development. Because symptoms are variable, diagnosis requires exclusion of other similar disorders, such as atherosclerosis or Raynaud's disease.
"Oriental beauty's disease" mainly affects the small arteries and veins of the hands and feet, and patients usually feel cold, painful and numb in the hands and feet。As the disease progresses, patients may experience limb color changes, weakened or absent pulses. In severe cases, blockage of blood vessels can lead to tissue necrosis and the need for amputation.
Diagnosing this disease is a challenge because its symptoms are similar to those of other vascular diseases. Diagnosis is usually made by history, physical examination, and ancillary tests. Doctors carefully ask about the person's smoking history, when and how symptoms began, and any other health problems. During the physical exam, doctors check blood flow in the limbs and look for signs that the pulse is weak or gone. Ancillary tests include Doppler ultrasonography, angiography, etc., to assess the status of the blood vessels.
**The key to "Oriental Beauty's Disease" is to improve blood circulation and prevent further damage to blood vessels. Measures include medications, surgery, and lifestyle modifications. Drugs** are mainly antiplatelet drugs and vasodilators. In some cases, surgery**, such as vascular bypass surgery, may be needed to bypass damaged blood vessels.
Also, lifestyle changes are an important part of **. The most important thing is to quit smoking, as smoking is a major risk factor for this disease. Patients should also maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular moderate exercise to improve blood circulation. Regular medical check-ups are also an important means of preventing the condition from worsening.
For patients with "Oriental Beauty", self-management in daily life is crucial。In addition to quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, patients should take care to avoid staying in the same position for long periods of time, especially sitting or standing, to promote blood circulation. It is also very important to wear appropriate footwear and avoid tight clothing that compresses your hands and feet.
In terms of diet, it is advisable to increase foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, to improve blood quality. At the same time, reduce the intake of high-fat, high-sugar foods to maintain healthy blood vessels. Regular exercise, such as walking, yoga or light aerobic exercise, can help improve the efficiency of blood circulation.
Finally, it is also very important to maintain a good mental state. Long-term stress and anxiety can have a negative impact on vascular health. Therefore, it is advisable to engage in relaxation training, meditation, or seek psychological counseling to maintain good mental health.