BUERGER’S DISEASE

Buerger's disease (also known as thromboangiitis obliterans) is a recurring progressive

inflammation and thrombosis (clotting) of small and medium arteries and veins of the hands
and feet. It is strongly associated with use of tobacco products, primarily from smoking, but also
from smokeless tobacco.

Factors:

o Heavy Cigarette Smoking

o Tobacco smoking
o Second hand smoking
o Obesity

Causes:

Unknown but it is believed that prolonged use of cigarette and tobacco of individuals is
what best contributes to this disease

Clinical Manifestations:

 Numbness in the legs

 Burning sensation in the legs
 Foot pains
 Foot pain worsens with exertion
 Foot numbness
 Tingling sensation of the foot
 Foot discoloration
 Inflammation of the extremities
 Cold hyper-sensibility
 Cold feet
 Foot paras-thesis
 Severe pain in the extremities while at rest
 Blood vessel thrombosis
 Swelling in the feet and hands
 Weakness in the legs and hands

Pathophysiology

Factor:

 Heavy Smoking of cigarette and tobacco

 Obesity
 Hypertension
 Etc.

Disturbance of normal vasomotion

Vasoconstriction

High viscosity of blood, Endothilial swelling

Platelet plugging, RBC plugging, PMN Plugging

 Increase permeability and tissue edema

BLOCKAGE

Reduced and unevenly distributed blood flow.

Treatment:

 Quit smoking - this is the most important issue; most cases occur in smokers.
 Low cholesterol diet
 Low salt diet
 Physical exercise
 Control weight
 Physiotherapy
 Amputation - if any gangrene
 Cessation of smoking
 Vascular surgery

Nursing management:

 improved circulation
 protect from trauma to avoid source of infection
 avoid smoking
 enough rest
 increase fluid intake
 proper foot hygiene
 socks or stocking must always clean
 slight massage of the food with moisturizer
 avoid circular or rolled stocking

Health Teachings:

 Avoid smoking
 Frequent exercises
 Eat nutritious foods
 Have plenty and enough sleep