Behçet’s disease (also known as Behçet Disease or Behçet’s Syndrome) is thought of as an autoimmune disease, but diagnosing Behçet’s disease is very difficult because no specific test confirms it. There is no “Behçet’s test”. The diagnosis is based on the occurrence of symptoms and signs that are the definition of the disease.
Criteria for Behçet’s disease:
• Mouth sores (oral ulcers) at least three times in 12 months
• Any two of the following:
• Recurring genital sores/ulcers
• Eye inflammation with loss of vision
• Characteristic skin lesions
• Positive pathergy (skin prick test)
Skin problems are a common symptom of Behçet’s disease. Skin sores often look red or resemble pus-filled bumps or a bruise. Arthritis or joint pain occurs in more than half of all patients with Behçet’s disease. This involves pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, especially in the knees, ankles, wrists, and elbows. Abdominal pain and diarrhea are also often a part of Behcet’s disease. Medications are used in an attempt to relieve the pain and treat the symptoms of Behcet’s, but they do not cure this condition, and most lead to unwanted side-effects. Needless to say, Behcet’s patients often suffer from fatigue and a diminished quality of life.
It is not yet known how many cases of Behçet’s Syndrome will prove to be so directly related to food allergies. However, we are very interested in working with more patients afflicted with this challenging condition. If you have questions, please contact our office at info@IBSTreatmentCenter.com.
Click here to see a video from one of our patients on her experiences with Behcets.
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Image thanks to ideachampions
Dr. Wangen is the founder and medical director of the IBS Treatment Center, the award winning author of two books, and a nationally recognized speaker on digestive disorders. He has been on ABC, NBC, and Fox as well as public radio, and was named one of Seattle’s Top Doctors by Seattle Magazine.