Treatment|
|
HSP is not usually serious. Most people can
be treated at home with only occasional appointments to monitor the condition,
although in severe cases admission to hospital may be necessary.
The rash, joint pain and tummy pain will
usually get better over days or weeks without any treatment.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen
may help relieve joint pain if needed, but you should check with your doctor
before using these as they shouldn't be taken by people with kidney or bowel
problems. Paracetamol may be a suitable alternative and resting can also help.
The use of corticosteroids, such as
prednisone, in treating or preventing complications of Henoch-Schonlein purpura
is controversial. They're most often used to treat severe gastrointestinal
symptoms. Because these drugs can have serious side effects and their
usefulness isn't clear, be sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
Surgery
If a section of the bowel has folded in
upon itself or ruptured, surgical repair will be necessary.
A steroid medication such as prednisolone
can sometimes help severe tummy pain.
When to
seek medical advice
Regardless of your dipstick results, you
should contact your GP, nurse or hospital if you or your child:
- pass red, rusty or blood-coloured urine
- pass stools with blood in them
- develop very painful and swollen joints
- develop severe tummy pain
- have swollen or painful testicles
Prognosis|
|
HSP usually gets better on its own within
about four to six weeks and doesn't generally cause any lasting problems.
However, the condition can sometimes be
severe and long-lasting – particularly in adults – and some people will get it
more than once.
Kidney problems usually pass without any
complications or need for treatment, but in rare cases kidney failure or
permanent kidney damage can develop. This is why it's important to check for
any early signs of a problem with regular urine tests, as instructed by your
doctor.
