What Is Buerger's Disease?

Buergers disease affects blood vessels in the arms and legs. Blood vessels swell, which can prevent blood flow, causing clots to form. This can lead to pain, tissue damage, and even gangrene (the death or decay of body tissues).1 In some cases, amputation may be required.2 The most common symptoms of Buergers disease are:2

Pale, red, or bluish hands or feet Cold hands or feet Pain in the hands and feet; may be severe Pain in the legs, ankles, or feet when walkingoften located in the arch of the foot Skin changes, painful sores, or ulcers on the hands or feet Top of Page

How Is Smoking Related to Buerger's Disease?

Almost everyone with Buergers disease smokes cigarettes. However, Buergers disease can occur in people who use other forms of tobacco, like chewing tobacco. People who smoke 1 packs a day or more are most likely to develop Buerger's disease.3 Researchers are working to understand how tobacco increases the risk for Buerger's disease. One idea is that chemicals in tobacco irritate the lining of the blood vessels and cause them to swell.3 Top of Page

How Can Buerger's Disease Be Prevented? How Is Buerger's Disease Treated?

If you want to prevent getting Buergers disease, dont smoke or use any other tobacco products. 1 Top of Page

There is no cure for Buergers disease. The only way to keep Buergers disease from getting worse is to stop using all tobacco products. Medicines dont usually work well to treat the disease. The best they can do is to control the symptoms.2 Surgery may help restore blood flow to some areas.1 It may be necessary to amputate the hand or foot if infection or widespread tissue death occurs.2 Top of Page

References

1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Types of Vasculitis [last updated 2011 Apr 1; accessed 2013 Feb 11]. 2. Medline Plus. Thromboangiitis Obliterans [last updated 2013 Jan 24; accessed 2013 Feb 11]. 3. Mayo Clinic. Buergers Disease: Risk Factors [accessed 2013 Feb 11].