Title: CREST Syndrome - Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Self-Care Tips and Treatment | medcaretips.com
Headings: CREST Syndrome – Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Self-Care Tips and Treatment
CREST Syndrome – Clinical Features, Diagnosis, Self-Care Tips and Treatment
Clinical Features
Cause of CREST Syndrome
Risk Factors
Complications
Gastrointestinal complications
Lung complications
Heart Complications
Kidney complications
Ulcers on fingers and toes
Endocrinal complications
Other complications
Diagnosis and Investigations
Clinical evaluation
Autoantibody tests
Complete blood counts
Nonspecific indicators of inflammation
Serum calcium and phosphorus levels
Renal function tests
Thyroid function tests
X-ray of extremities
Doppler ultrasonography or angiography
Electromyogram/nerve conduction velocity test
Pulmonary function tests
Electrocardiography and Holter monitoring
Upper GI endoscopy, esophageal manometry, barium swallow studies
CT scan
Skin biopsy
Self –Care Tips
Keep warm
Quit smoking
Exercise regularly
Healthy eating habits
To prevent acid reflux
Take care of your skin
Practice good oral hygiene
Treatment
Medicinal treatment
Pain relief medication
Antibiotics
Antacids
Medicines to treat dry mouth
Immunosuppressive drugs
Penicillamine
Calcinosis
Raynaud’s phenomenon
E sophageal dysfunction
Sclerodactyly
Telangiectasias
Treatment of complications
References
About Dr Surbhi Mahajan

Content: Once the blood circulation improves, the skin becomes reddened and painful. It is usually the first manifestation of CREST syndrome. E sophageal dysfunction – Poor functioning of the muscles of the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) results in difficulty in swallowing food, chest pain, or cough. It may also cause acids from the stomach to enter back into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn or inflammation and scarring of the esophagus. S clerodactyly – Thickening and tightening of the skin of fingers or toes which makes bending of the fingers difficult. Initially, the skin appears edematous and inflamed while in later stages, the skin becomes tightened. Many patients may develop ulcers on the distal fingers. T elangiectasias — Swelling of small blood vessels near the skin’s surface results in small red spots or lines on the skin. They are painless and occur mainly on the hands and face. Cause of CREST Syndrome
The exact cause of CREST syndrome is not known.