What Are The Warning Signs For Polyarteritis Nodosa?

Polyarteritis nodosa is a form of vasculitis that affects both small and medium-sized blood vessels. The condition causes inflammation of the blood vessels, and it damages organs, including the heart. Polyarteritis nodosa commonly causes joint, nerve, and intestinal damage as well. While the disease can occur in individuals of any age, it is usually diagnosed in individuals in their thirties and forties. Patients who have had hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing polyarteritis nodosa. To diagnose the disease, doctors will perform a physical examination to check for signs of organ damage or tissue injury. They will also usually need to do blood tests and arteriograms, and a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Patients who have this condition are normally treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications.

The symptoms outlined below are potential warning signs of polyarteritis nodosa.

Reduced Appetite

Reduced appetite typically occurs in polyarteritis nodosa patients who have intestinal damage. Patients may not feel like eating much due to the abdominal pain polyarteritis nodosa may bring, and as a result, they may also experience weight loss. In some cases, these symptoms may be accompanied by night sweats and fever. Patients who notice their appetite seems different than normal may wish to keep a food diary to share with their healthcare team. In addition to writing down the time of day and what they eat, patients can also record any pain or other symptoms they may be experiencing at that time. Doctors can prescribe medications to increase the patient's appetite, and they may also recommend for the patient to consult a nutritionist. The nutritionist will help the patient with finding things to eat that do not cause pain and other uncomfortable symptoms. Since reduced appetite can be caused by a number of medical conditions, it is especially important for patients to visit the doctor promptly, particularly if they are also losing weight without trying to. Substantial weight loss may make patients too frail to tolerate certain treatments.

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