Vasculitis: Ashton Kutcher has hearing problems due to vascular disease

autoimmune disease
Ashton Kutcher still has hearing problems from his vascular disease — which is vasculitis

Ashton Kutcher has been unable to see, hear or walk for almost a year because of a rare autoimmune disease. Symptoms have subsided, but the star still has hearing problems because of his vasculitis.

It wasn’t until the summer that it became known that actor Ashton Kutcher said he was suffering from a rare autoimmune disease. At that time he reported in an American survival show how he had fared with the very rare form of vasculitis. Now the Hollywood star has spoken about the long-term consequences of his illness on the “Chicks in the Office” podcast.

Kutcher reported there that he was still hard of hearing in one ear due to his vasculitis. We explain what vasculitis is.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is inflammation of the blood vessels, which are the arteries and veins in the body. It is the umbrella term for various forms of inflammation of blood vessels. The inflammation of the blood vessels is caused by the fact that the immune system is directed against them.

Why this reaction occurs has not yet been scientifically clarified. It is estimated that around 200,000 people in Germany are affected by vasculitis.

The faulty reaction of the immune system can lead to disturbances in the blood circulation. Depending on which vessels are diseased, symptoms can occur in very different parts of the body. The disease can be life-threatening, but in most cases the course of the disease is relatively mild.

Which symptoms are typical?

The first symptoms can be night sweats, fever, weight loss and tiredness. Signs of the autoimmune disease can also be:

How is the disease diagnosed?

The above symptoms can also have causes other than vasculitis. Because the autoimmune disease can trigger such a wide variety of symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose. Doctors can use blood tests to determine whether there is any inflammation in the body. In addition, auto-antibodies can also be found in the blood – if these are found in the blood, this indicates an autoimmune disease.

How can vasculitis be treated?

The autoimmune disease is usually treated with drugs that reduce inflammation and slow down the immune system’s attacks on its own body. Exercise and relaxation are also important. In rare cases, an operation may also be necessary.

Sources: University Hospital Würzburg, Chicks in the Office, Rheumatism League