9 signs somebody with hypermobile EDS might expertise
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are 13 particular person situations that have an effect on the physique’s connective tissue.
In individuals with EDS a genetic mutation has brought about a connective tissue, normally a sort of collagen, within the physique to turn out to be fragile and stretchy.
Connective tissues are there to offer assist all through the physique – in pores and skin, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, inner organs and bones.
Therefore, EDS causes an enormous vary of signs felt throughout the physique.
Depending on the kind of EDS you may have, your signs will differ.
Hypermobile EDS (also called hEDS) is the commonest kind of EDS.
According to the NHS, there are 9 signs that may sign hEDS.
These are:
- Joint hypermobility
- Loose, unstable joints that dislocate simply
- Joint ache and clicking joints
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Skin that bruises simply
- Digestive issues, equivalent to heartburn and constipation
- Dizziness and an elevated coronary heart fee after standing up
- Problems with inner organs, equivalent to mitral valve issues or organ prolapse
- Problems with bladder management (urinary incontinence).
There is not any manner of testing for hEDS so a prognosis might be made primarily based on a bodily examination and an individual’s medical historical past.
When to see a physician
The NHS urges individuals to talk to their GP in the event that they expertise a number of “troublesome” signs.
“You do not usually need to worry if you only have a few symptoms and they’re not causing any problems,” it says.
“Joint hypermobility, for example, is relatively common, affecting around one in 30 people. It’s unlikely to be caused by EDS if you do not have any other symptoms.
“The GP may refer you to a joint specialist (rheumatologist) if you have problems with your joints and they suspect EDS.
“If there’s a possibility you may have one of the rare types of EDS, the GP can refer you to your local genetics service for an assessment.”
There are some varieties of EDS which have overlapping signs.
These signs embrace:
- An elevated vary of joint motion (joint hypermobility)
- Stretchy pores and skin
- Fragile pores and skin that breaks or bruises simply.
The NHS explains: “EDS can affect people in different ways. For some, the condition is relatively mild, while for others their symptoms can be disabling.
“The different types of EDS are caused by faults in certain genes that make connective tissue weaker.
“Depending on the type of EDS, the faulty gene may have been inherited from one parent or both parents.
“Sometimes the faulty gene is not inherited, but occurs in the person for the first time.”
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome News reviews that EDS might have an effect on 10 out of each 5,000 individuals, in response to new analysis – making it extra widespread than beforehand thought.