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Behçet's Disease
What Is It?
What Causes It?
What Are the Effects?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Resources and Suggestions
What Is It?
- Behçet's Disease (beh-CHETTS) disease is a rare and chronic condition that affects the
inner lining of the mouth and genitals and the small blood vessels throughout the body.
- Behçet's Disease usually affects more women than men in the U.S. and primarily young
adults in their 20s and 30s.
What Causes It?
- The cause is unknown, but it seems to be an autoimmune problem.
What Are the Effects?
- It may cause recurring mouth, genital and skin ulcers, and inflammation of the eyes.
- It may cause arthritis, abdominal pain, fever, swelling of veins in the leg, and affect
the heart or lungs and/or bowels.
- It is chronic, which means it lasts a long time and won't go away.
How Is It Diagnosed?
- A person is diagnosed with the condition if mouth ulcers have occurred at least 3 times
during a 12-month period.
Plus two of the following:
- Genital ulcers
- Uveitis or retinal vasculitis
- Reddish bumps, pimples, or sores on skin
- A Behcetin reaction skin test
Treatment Options
- No cure presently exists; symptoms usually can be controlled with proper treatment.
- Medications:
- Corticosteroid pills/creams
- Pain-relieving mouth rinses
- NSAIDs
- Colchicine
- Cytotoxic drugs
- Cyclosporine
- Experimental drugs (in some cases)
- Rest and exercise
Resources and Suggestions
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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