What is Raynaud's Disease and Phenomenon?
Raynaud's disease and phenomenon are circulatory disorders. During an attack, blood vessels narrow. This causes blood flow to the fingers and sometimes ears, nose, and lips to be severely reduced. Cold temperatures or emotional stress, such as excitement or nervousness, are the usual causes of attacks. Although blood vessels naturally become narrower under these circumstances, Raynaud's is an abnormally exaggerated response.
There are two types:
Primary Raynaud's (Raynaud's Disease)-This is the most common form. Primary Raynaud's occurs by itself, in the absence of other medical conditions.
Secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's Phenomenon)-This is the more severe form. People with secondary Raynaud's also have some other underlying medical condition that is thought to also cause Raynaud's. Some common conditions associated with Raynaud's include: