Behcet's disease

Is a disease that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. It causes problems in many parts of the body.

Cause
Behcet's disease is caused when the immune system turns on the body and causes inflammation and sores in parts of the body. No one knows the exact cause of Behcet’s disease but is more common in Middle Eastern countries.

Symptoms
Most people with behcets syndrome complain of:

• painful mouth ulcers that make eating difficult
• inflammation or swelling of parts of the eye
• skin rash
• sores on the sex organs
• other skin sores

Some people may also suffer from a feeling of:

• malaise
• tiredness or even depression
• pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints

All these symptoms can wax and wane.

Diagnosis
There is no actual test for Behcets disease but tests to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms may be carried out.

Treatment
As yet there is no cure for Behcet's disease but in severe cases pain relief in the form of oral steroids, immunosuppressants and anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed