Vasculitis
Inflammation of the blood vessels that can affect the skin, joints and internal organs — what it is, the warning signs, and how a consultant rheumatologist can help.
Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels, which makes the vessel walls swell, narrow or weaken and disrupts the blood supply to the tissues they feed.
It is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that can range from a mild rash limited to the skin through to forms that affect the nerves, kidneys, lungs or other organs. Because it behaves so differently from person to person, it needs a specialist eye to pin down the type and the right treatment — and with the correct medication most people bring it under good control.
Symptoms of vasculitis.
Symptoms depend on which vessels are inflamed, so they vary widely — but a few general signs tend to appear together.
Why it happens.
Vasculitis happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own blood vessels. Often no single trigger is found, but several things are linked to it.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Diagnosed by a consultant, using your history, examination and targeted tests.
There is no single test for vasculitis, so diagnosis brings together your symptoms, a careful examination and investigations such as blood tests (including inflammatory markers and ANCA antibodies), urine checks, imaging and sometimes a biopsy of affected tissue. Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi, Consultant Rheumatologist, will work out which type is present and which organs are involved, then explain what it means for you. She completed an NIHR Vasculitis Fellowship and has a particular interest in vasculitis and connective tissue disease.
How vasculitis is treated.
Treatment is tailored to the type of vasculitis and how active it is — the aim is to calm the inflammation, then keep it settled.
A consultant rheumatology appointment to confirm the type of vasculitis, arrange the right tests and map out a plan — the essential first step before any treatment.
Most vasculitis is controlled with medication — steroids to bring active inflammation down quickly, with immunosuppressant or targeted therapies to maintain remission and reduce steroid use over time. Your consultant tailors and monitors this for you.
Regular follow-up with blood and urine checks to track disease activity, adjust medication and watch for flares or treatment side effects.
Where a specific inflamed joint is causing trouble, a targeted steroid joint injection can ease symptoms alongside your overall plan.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
Do I need to be referred before booking a vasculitis assessment? +
You can arrange a private consultation with Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi directly — a GP letter isn't required, though any previous results, blood tests or imaging you can bring help her build the picture faster.
What does a rheumatology consultation cost, and what's included? +
An initial consultation with the consultant rheumatologist is £220. That covers a full assessment of your symptoms and history, an examination, and a plan for the tests needed to confirm or rule out vasculitis. Any further investigations or treatments are discussed and priced before you go ahead.
Is vasculitis a serious condition? +
It ranges widely. Some forms only affect the skin and are relatively mild, while others can involve the kidneys, lungs or nerves and need prompt treatment. This is exactly why a specialist assessment matters — to identify the type and protect any organs at risk early.
Can vasculitis be cured, or is it lifelong? +
Many people reach remission, where the inflammation is quiet and symptoms settle. Some types can relapse, so ongoing monitoring is usually part of the plan. The consultant will explain what's realistic for your particular type of vasculitis.
Will I have to take steroids long term? +
Steroids are often used to bring active inflammation under control quickly, but the aim is to reduce them to the lowest effective dose — or stop them — using steroid-sparing medication where suitable. Your consultant tailors this to keep the disease settled while limiting side effects.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.