HSP Disease in Children
HSP disease affects 80% of children. It is not painful, and symptoms usually appear on large joints. However, some children develop symptoms of arthritis. In these cases, the child may experience hand or wrist pain. It is not known what virus causes HSP. However, it is important to know the symptoms and treatment options.
Is HSP serious?
Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a condition in which blood vessels swell up. While it can occur in all parts of the body, it is most common in the skin, joints, and intestines. It can be a sign of more serious problems, such as kidney failure. If you have symptoms, it’s best to get a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Symptoms of HSP include skin rash, joint pain, and abdominal pain. These symptoms may last for four to six weeks. Some people also experience fever, nausea, and vomiting. In rare cases, a person may experience bleeding during bowel movements. A skin biopsy may also be performed to determine the severity of the condition.
Is HSP a lifelong disease?
Despite the low incidence of HSP in adults, there are still complications associated with this rare disease. While kidney problems usually get better with treatment, in some cases the kidneys can cease to function altogether. In these cases, a child may experience permanent scarring in the affected kidneys. Symptoms of HSP in children include easily overwhelmed by senses, being irritated by violent media, and being labeled “shy.” Children with HSP will likely require regular checkups, and some will have relapses.
Most children with HSP will experience joint pains during their childhood. They will usually only have a few joints affected, but the joints will swell for one to three days after the onset of symptoms. This swelling does not cause permanent damage to the joints. Some children will experience abdominal pain as well. These problems may be mild, or they may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. If these symptoms are severe, your child will need to see a kidney specialist.
Is HSP disease curable?
While there is no known cure for Henoch-Schonlein purpura, it is possible to reduce or eliminate its symptoms. The disease is characterized by red-purple swelling of the joints, which can move from one area to another. The condition is caused by an overactive immune system. This means that antibodies to foreign objects are produced too frequently and settle into the blood vessel walls, causing inflammation. Patients with HSP often experience respiratory tract infection a week or two before the rash begins to appear. This may trigger the immune system to overreact to HSP. Although the disease itself is not contagious, it is linked to genes.
Symptoms of HSP usually disappear on their own after a few weeks, but some children may continue to have symptoms for three to six months. Treatment may include regular checkups and medicines. However, in rare cases, HSP can recur and require further treatment. If a child is diagnosed with HSP, they may need regular follow-up visits with their doctor to check for kidney problems and blood pressure levels.
What virus causes HSP?
HSP is a condition that occurs when the body’s immune system fails to fight an infection. It most commonly develops after an upper respiratory infection, but it can also develop in people of any age. Certain viruses or bacteria, food allergies, and insect bites can also trigger the disorder. Some people are also at a genetic risk for the disorder. The symptoms of HSP are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they appear at different times. The first symptom is a raised red or purple rash that develops in the legs and arms. The rash is often painful and may look like a bruise.
A skin biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of HSP. This procedure involves removing a small sample of skin tissue under local anesthesia and looking for antibodies. A urine sample is also examined to determine the presence of blood or protein in the urine. In most cases, HSP will go away without treatment.
How does HSP start?
When HSP begins, a patient will experience swelling around their joints. This can be mild or severe, and can occur in any joint. The condition can be life-threatening and can affect the kidneys and other organs. If it is left untreated, it may progress to end-stage renal failure.
Infections may trigger HSP, but the condition itself is not contagious. Patients should undergo regular urine tests to monitor symptoms. About three-thirds of HSP sufferers will have a recurrence of the disease. Recurrences typically develop within a few months after the first bout.
High-sensitivity people are often introverted and feel overwhelmed in crowded places. Highly sensitive people may also experience sensory processing disorder. This condition results in under-responsiveness to sensory stimuli and impaired motor function.