What is EDS Disease and How Does It Affect Your Body?
Hailing from the connective tissue disorder family, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare inherited disease that affects the skin, joints, and blood vessels. It has been estimated that EDS affects 1 in every 5,000 to 20,000 people worldwide, of every race and gender. In this blog post, we will discuss what EDS is, its symptoms and causes and treatment options.
What is EDS?
EDS is a rare inherited disorder that affects the production of collagen, a major building block of the body’s connective tissues. Collagen is present in skin, joints, bones, organs, and blood vessels and plays an important role in providing elasticity and strength to these structures.
Symptoms of EDS
Symptoms of EDS can vary depending on the type of disorder a person has. The most common symptoms of EDS include:
– Skin hypermobility (stretchiness) and fragility
– Joint hypermobility and dislocation
– Chronic pain and fatigue
– Easy bruising and scarring
– Poor wound healing
– Gastrointestinal issues
– Heart and blood vessel problems
Causes of EDS
EDS is caused by mutations in one of several genes that control the production of collagen or its processing in the body. These genetic mutations may be inherited from a parent or may arise as a new mutation in an individual.
Treatment options for EDS
There is currently no cure for EDS, and treatment options primarily focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Some common treatments for EDS include:
– Physical therapy to improve joint stability and range of motion
– Pain management techniques, including medications, massage, and heat therapies
– Wound care and management for skin fragility and poor healing
– Surgery for severe joint dislocations or organ prolapse
– Genetic counseling and testing for those with a family history of EDS
Conclusion
EDS is a rare inherited disorder that affects connective tissue in the body, leading to hypermobility, pain, and other symptoms. While there is no cure for EDS, treatments are available to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Consulting with a healthcare provider and genetic counselor can help those living with EDS to manage their symptoms and live a full life.
