Understanding Vasculitis
A simple guide to what vasculitis is, how it can present, and when medical support should be sought.
What is it?
Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels. That inflammation can narrow, weaken, or damage affected vessels, which may reduce blood flow to organs and tissues.
It is a group of conditions rather than a single disease, and symptoms vary from person to person. Early assessment helps guide the right treatment approach.
Symptoms
- Ongoing fatigue or persistent feeling of illness
- Unexplained fever, weight loss, or appetite changes
- Joint pain, muscle aches, or unusual weakness
- Skin rashes, spots, or unexplained discoloration
- Numbness, tingling, or neurological changes
- Breathing, kidney, circulation, or chest-related concerns
When to seek help
Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. For ongoing concerns, arrange a GP appointment and clearly describe what you have noticed and when it started.