what is raynauds syndrome?

Answer 1

"Raynaud's Syndrome is a condition in which the smallest arteries that bring blood to the fingers or toes constrict (go into spasm) when exposed to cold or from an emotional upset. Smoking cigarettes or working with vibrating machinery also can cause these episodes. The small veins are usually open, so the blood drains out of the capillaries (KAP'ih-lair"eez). The result is that the fingers or toes become pale, cold and numb. If there's a spasm in the small veins and blood is trapped in the capillaries, the fingers or toes turn blue as the blood loses its oxygen.

People who have experienced what appears to be Raynaud's syndrome are encouraged to see their physician to confirm the diagnosis and, if necessary, to get proper treatment. Most people only need to make minor lifestyle changes. In some cases, however, vasodilators (medications that relax and widen blood vessels) may be prescribed to keep the blood vessels from constricting.

Raynaud's (ra-NOZ') syndrome is also sometimes called Raynaud's phenomenon or Raynaud's disease."
Source http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4687

Answer 2

Raynaud's syndrome is due to poor circulation, usually in the hands and feet, although may affect the nose, tongue or ears. The tiny blood vessels in the affected area close down, supplying very little blood to the extremities. Numbness results and on warming, the area may throb painfully.

When Raynaud's syndrome occurs alone it is known as primary Raynaud's; when it occurs with another related condition it is known as secondary Raynaud's syndrome.

Raynaud's can be a useful predictor of autoimmune rheumatic disease.

Answer 3

Raynaud’s syndrome (RS) can be a debilitating condition that causes periods of severely restricted blood flow to the fingers and toes. The disease causes significant free-radical nerve damage in the affected tissues. This damage leads to local endothelial dysfunction, thickening of the arterial walls, and the formation of scar tissue, or fibrosis. RS typically affects the small blood vessels in the fingers and toes but can affect those in the ears, nose, and tip of the tongue as well. RS that occurs in the absence of another disease is referred to as primary RS. RS that occurs in the presence of other diseases is called secondary RS.

Answer 4

I believe you mean Raynaud's Phenomenon? You can find out more information here....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/raynauds1.shtml

:-)

Answer 5

a condition of the hands, fingers and feet which affects people who are unduly sensitive to clod.
symptoms the hands,fingers and sometimes the feet turn white and then blue as the circualtion returns, the skin becomes red

Answer 6

My firends have it. They say their hands are really cold and if you press their hands you can see that the blood is flushing in there. They're done a project on it, inventing a hand warmer thing. It's quite cool.

Answer 7

it's a connective tissue disease, in the same category of diseases as Lupus.

Answer 8

see your dr honey