Autonomic Neuropathy Treatment in Westminster Denver Colorado
Overview
●
Autonomic neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the nerves
that control automatic body functions. It can affect blood pressure,
temperature control, digestion, bladder function and even sexual function.
●
The nerve damage affects the messages sent between the brain and
other organs and areas of the autonomic nervous system. These areas include the
heart, blood vessels and sweat glands.
● Diabetes is the most common cause of autonomic
neuropathy. It can also be caused by other health conditions, viral or bacterial
infections, or some medications. Symptoms and treatment vary based on which
nerves are damaged.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of autonomic neuropathy
depend on which nerves are damaged. They might include:
● Dizziness and fainting when standing, caused by
a sudden drop in blood pressure.
● Urinary problems, such as difficulty starting
urination, loss of bladder control, difficulty sensing a full bladder and
inability to completely empty the bladder. Not being able to completely empty
the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections.
● Sexual difficulties, including problems
achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) or ejaculation
problems. In women, problems include vaginal dryness, low libido and difficulty
reaching orgasm.
● Difficulty digesting food, such as feeling
full after a few bites of food, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation,
abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing and heartburn.
These problems are all due to changes in digestive function.
● Inability to recognize low blood sugar
(hypoglycemia), because the warning signals, such as getting shaky, aren’t
there.
● Sweating problems, such as sweating too much
or too little. These problems affect the ability to regulate body temperature.
● Sluggish pupil reaction, making it difficult
to adjust from light to dark and seeing well when driving at night.
● Exercise intolerance, which can occur if your
heart rate stays the same instead of adjusting to your activity level.
When to see a doctor
●
Seek medical care promptly if you begin having any of the signs
and symptoms of autonomic neuropathy, particularly if you have diabetes that’s
poorly controlled.
● If you have type 2 diabetes, the American
Diabetes Association recommends annual autonomic neuropathy screening beginning
when you receive your diagnosis. For people with type 1 diabetes, the
association advises annual screening beginning five years after diagnosis.
Causes
Many health conditions can cause autonomic neuropathy. It can
also be a side effect of treatments for other diseases, such as cancer. Some
common causes of autonomic neuropathy include:
● Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled,
is the most common cause of autonomic neuropathy. Diabetes can gradually cause
nerve damage throughout the body.
● Irregular protein buildup in organs
(amyloidosis), which affects the organs and the nervous system.
● Autoimmune diseases, in which your immune
system attacks and damages parts of your body, including your nerves. Examples
include Sjogren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis
and celiac disease. Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disease that
happens rapidly and can affect autonomic nerves.
Autonomic neuropathy may also be caused by an immune system attack triggered by
some cancers (paraneoplastic syndrome).
● Certain medications, including some drugs used
in cancer treatment (chemotherapy).
● Some viruses and bacteria, such as HIV and
those that cause botulism and Lyme disease.
● Certain inherited disorders also can cause
autonomic neuropathy
Risk factors
Factors that might increase your risk of autonomic neuropathy
include:
● Diabetes. Diabetes, especially when poorly
controlled, increases your risk of autonomic neuropathy and other nerve damage.
You’re at greatest risk if you have difficulty controlling your blood sugar.
● Other diseases. Some health conditions
including amyloidosis, porphyria and hypothyroidism can increase the risk of
autonomic neuropathy. Cancer can too, usually due to side effects from
treatment.
Prevention
●
Certain inherited diseases that put you at risk of developing
autonomic neuropathy can’t be prevented. But you can slow the onset or
progression of symptoms by taking care of your health in general and managing
your medical conditions.
●
To control diseases and conditions, follow your health care
provider’s advice on healthy living. That advice might include these
recommendations:
–
Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
–
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
–
Get appropriate treatment if you have an autoimmune disease.
–
Take steps to prevent or control high blood pressure.
–
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
–
Exercise regularly.
Treatment
Treatment of autonomic neuropathy includes:
● Treating the underlying disease. The first
goal of treating autonomic neuropathy is to manage the disease or condition
damaging your nerves. If diabetes is causing your nerve damage, you’ll need to
tightly control blood sugar to prevent damage from progressing. About half of
the time, no underlying cause for autonomic neuropathy is found.
● Managing specific symptoms. Some treatments
can relieve the symptoms of autonomic neuropathy. Treatment is based on what
part of your body is most affected by nerve damage.
Our
expert providers are experienced and skilled at treating autonomic neuropathy
and are your source for expert treatment of autonomic neuropathy in Westminster
and Denver Colorado. Not only are we the premier treatment for spine injuries
and chiropractic in Westminster and Denver Colorado, but we also specialize in
many other advanced treatment techniques such as shockwave, cold laser, graston
technique, KT Taping, activator, instrument aided spinal alignments, drop
table, toggle, in house rehab services, and on site digital xrays. We are your
Premier destination for autonomic neuropathy treatment in Westminster Colorado
and Denver Colorado Chiropractor.