Raynaud's Disease (Complications)

The most common reason for circulatory problems is peripheral vascular disease (PVD), which is actually a group of diseases and conditions compromising blood flow to the extremities.

Raynaud's Disease causes spasm in the arteries in the extremities, especially the fingers, toes, ears and nose. It can be brought on by emotional stress, exposure to cold or smoking. The skin turns pale, with a bluish tinge and then turns red. There is numbness, tingling and often pain. These problems are all caused by the reduction of blood flow in the affected limb. An inadequate flow of blood to the affected tissues causes ischemia. Ischemia is caused by constriction or blockage of the blood vessels supplying the tissues, such as the constriction that results when a blood vessel is narrowed or closed during and attack with Raynaud's Disease. When ischemia occurs, there is a reduction in the amount of oxygen that reaches the tissues. This reduction in tissue oxygen, which is called hypoxia, leads to swelling and further hypoxia.

Most attacks are resolved within 30 minutes and we will concern ourselves with the complications which arise when the spasms do not resolve. When the reversal of the symptoms do not occur with vasodilators, nerve stimulators or nerve blocks and the affected limb starts to become compromised, HBOT is indicated for this stage.

HBOT helps patients with Raynaud's Disease complications in several ways. Firstly, it oxygenates the tissues which are showing signs of hypoxia. The tissue will have blue or dark areas which are cool to the touch. The use of hyperbaric oxygen leads to the development of new capillaries, tiny blood vessels linking arteries and veins. This allows a greater amount of oxygen to be delivered to the affected tissues, which in turn, results in more oxygen being absorbed by the tissues. HBOT forces oxygen into the blood plasma and the lymph, which normally do not carry oxygen. This dissolved oxygen is more readily used by the body than the oxygen that is normally carried by the red blood cells. Oxygen carried in fluid is immediately available to the body's cells, while oxygen in red blood cells requires the use of energy to make it available.

As a result of the additional oxygen, the tissues function more normally. As the additional oxygen restores tissue function the patient's skin the nail beds steadily turn pink or red in colour. HBOT causes inhibition of endothelial leukocyte adherence which reduces the blood's tendency to clot.

Any pain or swelling which is associated with the spasms and hypoxia are relieved making it easier for the affected tissues to rid themselves of irritating cell wastes. HBOT can save the affected limb from threatened amputation.

If a patient is a smoker, he or she must stop smoking to protect against further attacks.