What is vasculitis? Symptoms and causes of the rare autoimmune disease that Ashton Kutcher had

Ashton Kutcher revealed he had a “super rare” disease called vasculitis that left him unable to see, hear or walk.

The actor, 44, shared his diagnosis in a teaser for an upcoming episode of Running Wild with Bear Grylls: The Challenge.

He said: “Like two years ago, I had this weird, super rare form of vasculitis, that like knocked out my vision, it knocked out my hearing, it knocked out like all my equilibrium. It took me a year to build it all back up.”

Now fully recovered, the That 70s Show star said he will be competing in the New York marathon this year.

But what is vasculitis, the autoimmune disease Ashton Kutcher suffered from? Find out what you need to know below.

What is vasculitis?

Vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels, causing them to become “swollen and narrow”, according to the NHS.

The immune system attacks healthy blood cells, which may be triggered by recent changes in a medication or an infection – but the cause is often unknown.

There are various types of the autoimmune disease that can affect people of all ages.

Some types are minor and only affect the skin, while other types can be far more serious and can affect organs like the heart and kidneys.

What are the symptoms of vasculitis?

The symptoms of vasculitis depend on the type of vasculities and the organs involved, noted charity Vasculitis UK.

General symptoms include tiredness, loss of appetite, fever, and weight loss.

Some more specific symptoms, which make it easier to diagnose, include breathlessness, skin rashes, joint pain or swelling, and digestive problems like diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

Temporary loss of function can also cause deafness, loss of sensation in the hands and feet, kidney issues and changes in vision.

What are the causes of vasculitis?

The Mayo Clinic notes that although the exact cause is not understood, some types can be related to family history or genetics.

Infections like hepatitis B and hepatitis C or blood cancers can cause the condition, where the immune system attacks blood vessels.

Factors such as age, medical history, and a genetic history of immune disorders – such as lupus – can also increase the risks of developing the disorder.

What are the treatments for vasculitis?

Underlying conditions should be monitored, but treatments are often focused on minimising the inflammation of healthy blood vessels, according to Mayo Clinic.

A common medication used to treat the disease is prednisone, a corticosteroid drug for controlling inflammation.

Specialists can also help deal with individual symptoms, such as joint pain, skin problems, and kidney issues.

Routine vaccinations are also preventative measures taken to ward of the flu and pneumonia, which are infections that can trigger vasculitis.

The Mayo Clinic is also undertaking clinical trials for new treatments and interventions.