Behçet’s disease is a rheumatic disease first described by Turkish dermatology doctor Ordinaryus Professor Hulusi Behçet. It affects many organ systems such as skin, eyes, joints and blood vessels. The disease mostly occurs in men in their 20s. Although there is no significant difference between male and female genders, the disease is more severe in males.
What are the Symptoms of the Disease?
Behçet’s Disease complaints first appear mainly in the 20-30s. The most common finding is recurrent sores in the mouth. These wounds are repetitive, painful wounds. The frequency of recurrence of wounds differs from patient to patient. It is necessary to make an explanation here, because recurrent sores in the mouth can be seen in many people. Most of these people do not have any disease. In order to be diagnosed with Behçet’s disease, the patient must have other complaints.
Recurrent painful sores in the genital area are one of the common findings of the disease. These wounds last for 3-5 days and affect the life of the person negatively. Apart from oral and genital ulcers, acne-like lesions on the skin, especially painful red lesions on the legs, are common findings of Behçet’s disease.
One of the important places that Behçet’s disease is affected by is the eye. It can lead to repetitive inflammatory conditions called eye uveitis. Uveitis can cause eye pain, blurred vision, redness and vision loss. If recurrent uveitis attacks are not treated, they lead to vision loss.
Apart from these common findings, the disease can cause pain, swelling, ie inflammatory conditions in the joints. It can be fatal by creating congestion or enlargement conditions in the veins. In addition, it can affect organs such as the brain and intestines.
How is the Diagnosis of the Disease Made?
As in most of the diseases, Behçet’s disease is diagnosed by listening to the patient’s complaints and their own and family history. In most patients, no additional testing is required to make a diagnosis. However, in some of the patients, both blood tests, imaging methods and less frequently genetic tests may be requested.
How is Behçet’s Disease Treated?
Behçet’s disease can have a severe course in young male patients. Therefore, the follow-up of these patients is of great importance. We do not give the same drugs to every patient. We choose drugs according to the sites of involvement in the patients. We do not give the same treatment to a patient with vascular or eye involvement, only to patients with mouth ulcers and skin wounds. We mostly prefer the drugs we call colchicine, cortisone and immunosuppressive. The duration and dosage of these drugs varies from patient to patient.
Finally, I would like to emphasize once again. Behçet’s disease is a potentially fatal disease. Follow-up of each patient is of great importance. The results of the patients who are followed properly are mostly very good.
