Every fourth patient suffers from a functional disorder that is associated with a malfunction of the heart, blood vessels, or other internal organs. Recently, vegetative-vascular dystonia has been very often diagnosed, in simple words, VVD. This pathology manifests itself in different ways and is accompanied by appropriate symptoms. To eliminate the ailment, it is necessary not only to undergo a thorough examination, but also to pay attention not to medical treatment and alternative methods of therapy. With this diagnosis, patients are advised to restore the overall balance in the body, to adjust the state and functionality of the nervous system.
What it is
VVD or somatophore autonomic dysfunction (according to ICD-10) is a disease that has a whole range of symptoms and complex development mechanisms. The basis of this pathology is a violation of regulation by the ANS, as well as a variety of disorders in the functioning of internal systems.
The reasons for the occurrence of VVD will be different and not always easily identifiable. Symptoms depend on the provoking factor, but there are general signs of this disturbance on the part of the nervous system. Pathology develops due to constant stressful situations, as well as poor adaptive ability of the ANS. Vegetative-vascular dystonia in simple words can occur due to unfavorable external or internal conditions that can unbalance the nervous system, disrupt the functionality of the heart, blood vessels, or other organs. As for neurosis and depression, they contribute to the onset of this disease, as they are diagnosed a second time.
Very often, the reason for the occurrence of vegetovascular dystonia is a violation of the development of connective tissue, which is in all internal systems, so the situation can affect all the functions of the body. This is the insidiousness of pathology.
Varieties
Dystonia is of three types. These include cardiac, hypertensive and hypotensive. Each species is characterized by certain symptoms, which helps with the diagnosis. In this situation, you should not engage in self-diagnosis and therapy, as this can lead to serious violations and irreversible negative consequences.
The causes of cardiac type VVD are diverse and are determined only as a result of a thorough examination. This violation is characterized by pain in the region of the heart. The pain can be sharp, burning, stitching. It is not always possible to accurately determine its occurrence. The patient may also complain of a malfunction in the heart. This type of VSD is also manifested by such signs as tachycardia, shortness of breath. At the same time, any serious changes and violations will be absent on the ECG.
As for the hypotensive type of pathology, it is accompanied by such symptoms as:
- increased weakness and lethargy;
- constantly want to sleep;
- the patient feels tired all the time;
- chilliness of the lower and upper extremities is noted;
- if you stand up sharply, it may darken in the eyes;
- loss of consciousness associated with low blood pressure.
Hypertensive type of vegetative-vascular dystonia: what is it in simple words? This is a disorder characterized by frequent attacks of cephalalgia, dizziness, and high blood pressure. If in this situation you do not start therapy, then there is a possibility of the transition of this type of disorder into hypertension.
Vegetative-vascular dystonia: causes
As mentioned earlier, VVD is a serious pathology that can provoke a violation of the performance of organs and systems. If the treatment is not provided in a timely manner, then this will worsen the quality of life of the patient and affect his health. According to naturopaths, the causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia include predisposing factors and provoking diseases, such as:
- Disturbances in the development of the nervous system.
- Features of the genetic and constitutional type.
- Pathology associated with mitochondria.
- Any psychological personality traits.
- Abnormalities in the hormonal background.
- Weakened muscle activity of the body due to a sedentary lifestyle.
- Disorders and diseases in the cervical spine.
- An allergic reaction of the body to any external stimuli.
- Diseases of the endocrine system.
- Pathologies associated with professional activities of a person.
- Injury to the brain or spinal cord.
Also, the following can be attributed to the causes of the appearance of an external type of IRR:
- constant stressful situations;
- infectious diseases;
- the effect on the body of physical or chemical agents, for example, currents, vibrations, alcoholic beverages, caffeine;
- incorrectly formed mode of work and rest - as a result, the patient has a significant constant overwork.
If the patient is under the influence of negative external factors for a long time, this can provoke a violation in the hypothalamic-pituitary system. As a result, metabolism, water-electrolyte balance, microcirculation mechanisms and tissue oxygen supply suffer. The occurrence of oromandibular dystonia or another violation provokes the corresponding signs, which are worth paying attention to at the first manifestations.
Symptomatology
The signs of this violation are diverse and affect individually or together the most important organs and internal systems. Without a professional examination, it is difficult to determine what exactly the patient has, so you should not pay attention to self-diagnosis, as it is ineffective. The causes, symptoms and treatment of vegetative-vascular dystonia are closely interrelated and depend on each other.
Symptoms of the IRR:
- Cardiovascular. In this situation, the patient will complain of abnormalities in heart rhythm and blood pressure. The skin becomes pale or "marble", there are flushing, chilliness in the lower and upper limbs. Very often confused aching and stitching pains in the heart area with angina pectoris. These sensations are not associated with increased physical activity, they cannot be eliminated as a result of taking special groups of medicines.
- Symptom associated with the respiratory system. The patient notes rapid breathing, he lacks oxygen; incomplete and labored breathing. Due to the fact that the blood loses a sufficient amount of carbon dioxide, it is saturated with alkalis, the work of the respiratory center is inhibited. As a result, the patient is diagnosed with cramping in muscle tissue, impaired sensitivity in the oral cavity, limbs, and also dizziness.
- Symptom of an irritated bowel. In this situation, there are unpleasant sensations in the lower abdomen, there are frequent urge to the toilet, significant gas formation, upset. Also, the patient complains of appetite, nausea, gagging, disturbed swallowing, discomfort in the stomach. It is worth paying attention to this symptomatology only if gastric ulcer has not been previously diagnosed.
- Sweat problems. A person constantly and intensely sweats, soles and palms are more affected.
- Violations of the urethra. The patient complains of pain during urination. In this case, diseases of this system and changes in the results of a urine test are not diagnosed.
- Disorders from the reproductive system. Vegetative-vascular dystonia in men negatively affects erection and ejaculation, and women suffer from vaginismus and anorgasmia.
- Symptom of disturbed thermoregulation. The patient notes a slight increase in body temperature, chills. Deviations from the norm are observed before lunch and are tolerated quite easily. In most cases, this symptom is diagnosed in patients of a younger age category.
As can be seen from the above, the causes of vegetative-vascular dystonia, as well as the symptoms, are varied and closely related.
Diagnostics
VVD is considered an exceptional diagnosis. This is because, after a thorough examination, a specialist may not establish any serious violations in the body that could cause the above symptoms.
To eliminate this violation in the body, the patient is recommended to undergo an examination to establish the cause of the occurrence of the VSD. In parallel, the specialist should pay attention to the patient's lifestyle and related pathologies.
Mandatory examinations to identify violations include:
- electrocardiogram;
- Ultrasound of the cardiovascular system;
- blood pressure study;
- stress tests;
- X-ray examination of the chest;
- spirometry;
- examination of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract;
- analysis of blood, urine and feces;
- Ultrasound of the peritoneal organs;
- electroencephalography.
If necessary, the patient can be referred for additional consultation to various narrow-profile specialists.
What can be the complications
Since the causes of VSD in adults can be a variety of genetic and anatomical disorders, with a prolonged course and the absence of appropriate therapy, all sorts of complications develop that can even lead to death. These include diseases of the cardiovascular and urethra, neurosis, depression, increased anxiety, and pathology of the gastrointestinal tract.
If the patient believes that the IRR is not capable of harming him, then he is deeply mistaken. The fact is that at first this violation does not cause significant discomfort and does not worsen the quality of life, but over the years it becomes only more serious, and the symptoms develop more and more. As a result, the treatment will no longer be of high quality, and the general condition will not be able to completely normalize.
Therapy
IRR without appropriate treatment can lead to autonomic crises, which are characterized by the sudden onset of disorders on the part of this system. A major role in therapy is given to non-drug methods. Medicines are generally recommended for patients with advanced cases.
To alleviate the condition of the patient, it is first necessary to exclude provoking factors. It is advisable to include constant stressful situations, harmful working conditions, increased physical or mental activity. It is also worth sanitizing foci of chronic infectious diseases, mainly the oral cavity, as well as tonsils.
Attention is also paid to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine system. The patient is advised to exclude the use of alcohol, caffeine and stop smoking. The daily routine must also be observed. Superficial sleep causes damage to the nervous system and exacerbates the symptoms of vegetative-vascular dystonia. As for mental activity, it should be moderate and alternate with physical activity. The room where the patient is located is recommended to be constantly aired, as the coolness makes breathing rare and deep. When working at a computer, it is worth taking breaks periodically.
If adults have vegetative-vascular dystonia, then experts recommend paying attention to relaxation, visiting a psychotherapist’s office. If necessary, start taking sedative, hypnotic drugs or antidepressants. If the degree of the disease is moderate, then spa treatment is suitable. Diet for VVD should be balanced. Foods enriched with vitamins and minerals are recommended in the diet.
As for medicines, they are prescribed by a specialist. The patient may be prescribed phytopreparations and adaptogens (substances that increase the adaptive ability of the body). For pain and discomfort in the heart area, it is advised to take Corvalol, Valocardin, Validol or Valerian.
If the VSD is the cause of epilepsy, then in this situation, the hospitalization of the patient and constant monitoring of his condition is required. After examination and intensive care, stabilization of the situation, the patient is at home treatment, but is not deregistered.
Unique treatments
In modern medicine, a variety of unconventional techniques have often been used to eliminate vegetative-vascular dystonia in women and men. These include:
- Applied Kinesiology. A technique that allows not only to identify, but also eliminate pathologies of the spine, joints, as well as diseases of the nervous system. It is based on testing muscle tissue. With the help of palpation, the state of tissues and internal organs is studied.
- Therapy with leeches. It helps the patient not only clear blood from blood clots, prevent their formation, but also saturate the body with a variety of biologically active substances.
- Acupuncture. This therapy helps to get rid of osteochondrosis, radiculitis and other pathologies of the spine and joints. The technique eliminates pain, strengthens the immune system, and is also considered to be completely health-improving.
The appointment of one of the above methods occurs only after examination and exclusively by a specialist. If this type of therapy does not suit the patient, then it is worth paying attention to traditional methods of eliminating the ailment.
At-risk patients
The tendency to this violation can be traced from an early age. In most cases, adolescents are subject to the development of VSD. With the urgency of the problem, the child does not do well, feels constant fatigue, becomes slow, inattentive, confused, and also he has problems with sleep and appetite. In this case, it is recommended to reduce physical and mental stress, stay more in the fresh air, and eliminate stressful situations. The diet should be balanced, fluid intake is normal.
Also at risk include patients:
- with a hereditary predisposition;
- with unfavorable material, sanitary, social conditions;
- with increased physical and intellectual activity;
- with pathologies of the nervous and endocrine systems.
Do not exclude patients who are diagnosed with diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Preventive actions
These measures should be aimed at strengthening the performance of the ANS and increasing the body's adaptation to the effects of negative factors. Achieving a positive result in prevention will help HLS, a well-designed daily regimen, moderate physical activity, healthy nutrition, and a good sleep.
The patient is advised to abandon bad habits, timely eliminate provocative factors, treat concomitant diseases. At the first sign of a violation, it is recommended to immediately seek qualified help and not to experiment with your body and health.