Burger’s disease affects the blood vessels in the hands and feet, and it’s a rare condition, but it can lead to serious complications.

Burger’s disease

Burger’s disease affects the arteries and veins of the hands and feet and causes an inflammation, which obstructs the blood flow and leads to blood clots.

Almost all cases of Burger disease are smokers.

Causes and risk factors of Burger’s disease

• The exact cause of Burger’s disease is unknown, but it’s thought that the chemicals in the tobacco hurt the lining of the blood vessels.
• The risk of thromboangiitis obliterans increases in males, people between the ages of 20 and 45, and people who smoke marijuana.

Symptoms of Burger’s disease

Early signs of Burger disease include:

• Pain in the legs, ankles, and feet when walking.
• Tingling, burning, or pain sensation in the hands and feet.
• Sores on the fingers or toes.
• Changes in the skin color or texture.
• Raynaud’s syndrome (the turning of the skin color of the fingers and toes to white and blue when exposed to cold).

Other symptoms include:

• Blood clots in the blood vessels.
• Muscle cramps.
• Skin ulcers.
• Numbness in the hands or feet.
• Burger’s disease can lead to gangrene, heart attack, stroke, and problems in the nervous system.

Diagnosis of Burger’s disease

• Physical exam.
• Examining the blood vessels.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of Burger’s disease

• There isn’t a cure for Burger disease, and quitting smoking is the only treatment.
• Certain medications and therapies can be used to improve the blood flow.