Lifestyle changes are a large part of the treatment process for Raynaud’s phenomenon. Avoiding substances that cause your blood vessels to constrict is the first line of treatment. This includes avoiding caffeine and nicotine products. Staying warm and exercising can also prevent or reduce the intensity of some attacks.
What is the first line of treatment for Raynaud's disease?
First-line treatment is usually with calcium channel blockers. Clinicians are increasingly using phosphodiesterase-type 5 inhibitors earlier to treat RP, particularly when secondary to …
What are the pharmacologic options for secondary Raynaud phenomenon?
Sep 22, 2021 · The initial treatment of RP in most patients includes patient education and lifestyle modifications to maintain body warmth and avoid other triggers for RP. Pharmacotherapy is initiated if nonpharmacologic therapy is inadequate, with dihydropyridine CCBs being the preferred first-line agents.
What are the goals of therapy for Raynaud phenomenon (RP)?
Nov 23, 2020 · For primary Raynaud phenomenon, the first line of therapy consists of lifestyle measures, such as avoidance of precipitating factors and use of gloves. If these prove inadequate, the patient may be...
How can I get tested for Raynaud's?
Nov 20, 2017 · Examples of the different orally administered drugs most commonly used in the treatment of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Open in a separate window Calcium channel blockers Calcium channel blockers are first-line treatment.
What is the best treatment for Raynaud's?
Many health care professionals believe that the most effective and safest drugs are calcium- channel blockers, which relax smooth muscles and dilate the small blood vessels. These drugs decrease the frequency and severity of attacks in about two-thirds of patients who have Primary or Secondary Raynaud's phenomenon.Aug 14, 2019
What's the difference between Raynaud's disease and Raynaud's phenomenon?
Primary Raynaud's(or Raynaud's disease) happens without any other illness behind it. The symptoms are often mild. Secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon) results from another illness. It's often a condition that attacks your body's connective tissues, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.Aug 23, 2021
What medications should be avoided with Raynaud's?
People who experience Raynaud's should avoid medicines which reduce blood flow to the peripheries, such as: Serotonin receptor agonists, e.g triptans used to treat migraines. Ergots (Claviceps fungi derivatives), e.g. ergotamine used to treat migraines. Clonidine (which decreases cardiac output)
Why use calcium channel blockers in Raynaud's phenomenon?
Calcium channel blockers are a group of medicines commonly prescribed to treat conditions of the heart and blood vessels but are also used in the treatment of Raynaud's as they promote vasodilation, or the opening of blood cells to allow blood to flow more easily.Feb 20, 2018
What kind of doctor treats Raynaud's syndrome?
Primary care doctors and internists often diagnose and treat Raynaud's. If you have the disorder, you also may see a rheumatologist. This is a doctor who specializes in treating disorders of the joints, bones, and muscles.
What medications make Raynaud's worse?
What medications make Raynauds worse? Patients with Raynaud's should avoid medications that constrict blood vessels, including migraine medications (ergotamine and triptans), over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, diet aids, beta-blockers, and birth control pills.Nov 17, 2021
Is walking good for Raynaud's?
Exercise, within your own limits, can boost circulation and may improve Raynaud's. Even very gentle exercise can help to get the blood flowing – if you are feeling cold, for example, try swinging your arms as you walk. Occasionally, exercise can trigger Raynaud's attacks.Mar 31, 2021
Does gabapentin help with Raynauds?
Gabapentin, ketamine IV are probably effective.
What medicines trigger Raynaud's?
3 Drug Classes That Can Cause Raynaud's DiseaseCancer Drugs. Drugs used during chemotherapy have long been linked to Raynaud's. ... Beta-Blockers. Like chemotherapy agents, beta-blockers have long been associated with Raynaud's because they slow heart rate and lower blood pressure, the researchers noted.Migraine Medications.Apr 22, 2016
What is dihydropyridine used for?
Because of their selective effect on arterial blood vessels, dihydropyridines are mainly used to decrease vascular resistance and blood pressure, and therefore are used to treat hypertension. Other uses of dihydropyridines include preventive treatment of stable angina, Raynaud's syndrome, and cerebral vasospasm.
Is diltiazem used for Raynaud's?
Diltiazem can be used to treat Raynaud's. It works by causing some of your blood vessels to relax and widen. This lowers your blood pressure. It also reduces the force and the rate of your heartbeat.
How long does it take for felodipine to work?
Generally, a reduction in blood pressure is evident two hours after the first oral dose and lasts for at least 24 hours and the trough/peak ratio is usually well above 50%. Plasma concentrations of felodipine are positively correlated to the decrease in total peripheral resistance and blood pressure.
What are the goals of a raynaud therapy?
Goals of therapy — The goals of therapy are to improve quality of life and to prevent tissue loss (ie, ulceration, gangrene). At least a moderate reduction in the intensity of attacks and the prevention of tissue loss are achievable in most patients. However, abolishing cold sensitivity and eliminating all Raynaud events is not likely with available treatment options, particularly in patients with secondary Raynaud phenomenon (RP), due to the complexity and sensitivity of the regulation of thermoregulatory vessels in the skin. (See "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Raynaud phenomenon", section on 'Primary versus secondary Raynaud phenomenon' and "Pathogenesis of Raynaud phenomenon" .)
What is Raynaud phenomenon?
Raynaud phenomenon (RP) is an exaggerated vascular response to cold temperature or to emotional stress, which is manifested clinically by sharply demarcated color changes of the distal skin of the digits as well as toes, nose, and earlobes. Initial treatment includes patient education and general measures taken by the patient to prevent ...
How long does RP last?
The duration of benefit from drug intervention in RP has not been formally studied. Most reported clinical trials are short term, typically four to six weeks in duration. In our experience, there is sustained benefit from treatment with a CCB.
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What is the first line of therapy for Raynaud?
For primary Raynaud phenomenon, the first line of therapy consists of lifestyle measures, such as avoidance of precipitating factors and use of gloves. If these prove inadequate, the patient may be considered for calcium channel blocker treatment; nifedipine is the usual choice.
What is the treatment for secondary Raynaud phenomenon?
Patients with secondary Raynaud phenomenon should also use lifestyle measures. However, these patients are more likely to require pharmacologic therapy than are patients with primary Raynaud phenomenon. Pharmacologic options for secondary Raynaud phenomenon include calcium channel blockers and prostacyclin analogues.
What is the best medication for Raynaud syndrome?
Calcium channel blockers are the class of drugs most widely used for treatment of Raynaud syndrome—especially the dihydropyridines (eg, nifedipine, nicardipine), which are the most potent vasodilators. [ 40] . Nifedipine is the customary first choice. The usual dosage is 30-120 mg of the extended-release formulation taken once daily.
How many Raynaud medications are tolerated?
In an international study of patients with self-reported Raynaud phenomenon, 82% reported that at least one currently used medication was tolerated, but only 16% reported that at least one current medication was effective. [ 32]
What are the measures of Raynaud phenomenon?
General measures for Raynaud phenomenon include education, warming of the affected body part, and cessation of vasoconstricting agents such as nicotine. A number of pharmacologic treatments have been studied, but none provide a cure and none has been approved for this indication in the United States. In an international study of patients with self-reported Raynaud phenomenon, 82% reported that at least one currently used medication was tolerated, but only 16% reported that at least one current medication was effective. [ 32]
What to do if you have an adverse reaction to nicardipine?
If adverse effects occur, decrease the dosage or use another agent, such as nicardipine, or a non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker such as such as diltiazem. Patients should check their blood pressure regularly and may want to keep a log of the number and severity of attacks.
Does hyperviscosity syndrome improve with therapy?
Patients with hyperviscosity syndromes and cryoglobulinemia improve with treatments that decrease the viscosity and improve the rheologic properties of their blood (eg, plasmapheresis). Unfortunately, patients with Raynaud phenomenon associated with autoimmune disorders do not usually respond well to therapy.
How to treat Raynaud's disease?
Exercise. Exercise can increase circulation, among other health benefits. If you have secondary Raynaud's, talk to your doctor before exercising outdoors in the cold. Control stress. Learning to recognize and avoid stressful situations might help control the number of attacks. Avoid rapidly changing temperatures.
What to do if you have Raynaud's?
If you have severe Raynaud's, your doctor may recommend surgery or injections. Nerve surgery. Sympathetic nerves in your hands and feet control the opening and narrowing of blood vessels in your skin. Cutting these nerves interrupts their exaggerated responses.
How to tell primary and secondary Raynaud's disease?
To tell the difference between primary and secondary Raynaud's, your doctor might do a test called nailfold capillaroscopy. During the test, the doctor looks at the skin at the base of your fingernail under a microscope or magnifier to look for deformities or swelling of the tiny blood vessels.
How to calm down a syphilis attack?
To gently warm your fingers and toes: If stress triggers an attack, get out of the stressful situation and relax. Practice a stress-relieving technique that works for you, and warm your hands or feet in water to help lessen the attack.
What are some examples of Raynaud's drugs?
Examples include nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia), amlodipine (Norvasc), felodipine and isradipine. Vasodilators.
How to get rid of Raynaud's attack?
Lifestyle and home remedies. A variety of steps can decrease Raynaud's attacks and help you feel better. Avoid smoke. Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke causes skin temperature to drop by tightening blood vessels, which can lead to an attack. Exercise. Exercise can increase circulation, among other health benefits.
What test is done for Raynaud's disease?
If your doctor thinks that another condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or a connective tissue disease, may be causing Raynaud's, he or she will likely order blood tests, such as: Antinuclear antibodies test .
What is the test to determine if you have Raynaud's disease?
They will ask you about your symptoms and may perform a capillaroscopy , which is a microscopic examination of the nail folds near your fingernails to determine if you have primary or secondary Raynaud’s. People with secondary Raynaud’s often have enlarged or deformed blood vessels near their nail folds.
What is Raynaud's phenomenon?
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where blood flow to your fingers, toes, ears, or nose is restricted or interrupted. This occurs when the blood vessels in your hands or feet constrict. Episodes of constriction are called vasospasms.
What is it called when your fingers are constricted?
Outlook. Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where blood flow to your fingers, toes, ears, or nose is restricted or interrupted. This occurs when the blood vessels in your hands or feet constrict. Episodes of constriction are called vasospasms.
How to help with vasospasms?
To help cope with an attack, you can: Cover your hands or feet with socks or gloves. Get out of the cold and wind and rewarm your entire body. Run your hands or feet under lukewarm (not hot) water.
How long does Raynaud's pain last?
Episodes may last a few minutes or up to several hours.
What causes Raynaud's disease?
Secondary Raynaud’s is usually related to medical conditions or lifestyle habits that affect your blood vessels or connective tissue, such as: smoking. use of medications and drugs that narrow your arteries, such as beta-blockers and amphetamines. arthritis.
What happens if you have Raynaud's?
People who have secondary Raynaud’s are more likely to get an infection, skin ulcers, and gangrene. Last medically reviewed on October 3, 2019.
Why does Raynaud's phenomenon happen?
Raynaud’s phenomenon happens when small blood vessels in the hands and feet suddenly spasm and narrow. The same way that a calf muscle can cramp or tighten up, so, too, can the walls of blood vessels. This narrows the blood vessel, which decreases the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the tips of the fingers.
How can you keep Raynaud's phenomenon from happening?
The first step in treating Raynaud’s phenomenon is to avoid any triggers, or reduce risk factors whenever possible. This may include:
How serious is Raynaud's disease?
Raynaud’s episodes usually resolve quickly and do not cause serious issues. But, on rare occasions, complications can occur if there is prolonged lack of oxygen to the tips of fingers and toes.
The bottom line
Raynaud’s is a fairly common condition that leads to temporary lack of blood flow to the fingers and (less commonly) toes. Even though it can be scary to see your skin change color, while painful, most of the time the episodes resolve quickly.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- Dressing for the cold in layers and wearing gloves or heavy socks usually are effective in dealing with mild symptoms of Raynaud's. Medications are available to treat more-severe forms of the condition. The goals of treatment are to: 1. Reduce the number and severity of attacks 2. Prevent tissue damage 3. Treat the underlying disease or condition
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- A variety of steps can decrease Raynaud's attacks and help you feel better. 1. Avoid smoke.Smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke causes skin temperature to drop by tightening blood vessels, which can lead to an attack. 2. Exercise.Exercise can increase circulation, among other health benefits. If you have secondary Raynaud's, talk to your doctor before exercising out…
Alternative Medicine
- Lifestyle changes and supplements that encourage better blood flow might help you manage Raynaud's. However, it's unclear how well these measures may work for Raynaud's. More study is needed. If you're interested, talk to your doctor about: 1. Fish oil.Taking fish oil supplements could help improve your tolerance to cold. 2. Ginkgo.Ginkgo supplemen...
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Your primary doctor will likely be able to diagnose Raynaud's based on your signs and symptoms. In some cases, however, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the joints, bones and muscles (rheumatologist). Here's information to help you get ready for your appointment. Make a list of: 1. Your symptoms,when they began and what seems to trigger the…