Have you heard of henoch-schonlein purpura?

I sure don’t remember this condition in nursing school! Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is a disease involving inflammation of small blood vessels. It most commonly occurs in children. The inflammation causes blood vessels in the skin, intestines, kidneys and joints to start leaking. The main symptom is a rash with numerous small bruises, which have a raised appearance over the legs or buttocks. Although HSP can affect people at any age, most cases occur in children between the ages of 2 and 11. It is more common in boys than girls. Adults with HSP are more likely to have more severe disease compared to children. HSP usually ends after four to six weeks — sometimes with recurrence of symptoms over this period, but with no long-term consequences. If organs such as the kidneys and intestines are affected, treatment is often needed and it is important to have regular follow-up to prevent serious complications. The exact cause of HSP is not known. The body’s immune system is believed to play a role in targeting the blood vessels involved. An abnormal immune response to an infection may be a factor in many cases. Approximately two-thirds of the cases of HSP occur days after symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection develop. Some cases of HSP have been linked to vaccinations for typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, measles or hepatitis B. Other causes are foods, drugs, chemicals and insect bites. Some experts also say that HSP is associated with the colder weather of fall an...
Source: Nursing Comments - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: Advice/Education Caregiving General Public Nursing/Nursing Students Patients/Specific Diseases blood in urine children diarrhea HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA inflammation of blood vessels joint pain joint swelling kidney disease loss Source Type: blogs