Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a serious disease that that affects the body’s blood vessels and causes the skin’s capillaries to swell and bleed. The condition is a form of systematic vasculitis, a disorder marked by inflamed, irritated, and swollen blood vessels that leak beneath the skin causing purple and red rashes known as purpura.

Purpura is typically found on the surface of the buttocks and legs, but inflamed and leaking blood vessels can also cause internal problems. Bleeding of the kidneys and intestine as well as aching joints may be a concern for individuals suffering from HSP.

Henoch-Schönlein purpura is most often found in children between the ages of 2 and 11, with 75 percent of documented cases occurring in children under the age of 10. Less frequently, HSP affects adults, posing higher risks of severe kidney complications.

Causes

The exact cause of HSP has not been determined, but it is known to occur when the immune system does not function properly. Henoch-Schönlein purpura begins when inflammation triggers an immune reaction, and the protein immunoglobulin A (IgA) is deposited into the body’s blood vessel walls resulting in swelling and bleeding.

Individuals with an infection of the upper respiratory tract are at greatest risk of having HSP. Nearly 75 percent of those with HSP fit into this category. When someone has an upper respiratory tract infection, the body’s immune system prepares to fight against multiplying germs. Once the germs have been attacked and eliminated, the immune system enters a less active state. In HSP, the immune system continues to function as if harmful bacteria are present and lashes out against what it believes to be harmful germs.

In addition to bacteria, HSP can be caused by food reactions, antibiotics, antihistamines, insect bites, and vaccinations for measles, typhoid, yellow fever, and cholera. Although conditions that trigger HSP may be infectious, the disorder itself cannot be spread to others.

Exercises to Avoid

Certain activities should be avoided entirely during pregnancy. Under no circumstances should pregnant women engage in vigorous exercises like basketball, soccer, hockey, scuba diving, horseback riding, or downhill skiing.

Exercising anywhere over six thousand feet above sea level presents special concerns, as the oxygen supply to the baby can decrease dangerously. All activities that have up and down movement, bouncing, sudden change of direction, or leaping should be avoided, or at least approved by a doctor.

Signs of Overexertion

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding

 

• Severe vaginal or abdominal pain

 

• Continuous contractions for 30 minutes after you stop exercising

 

• Dizziness

 

• Headache

 

• Nausea

 

• Blurred vision

 

• Pain and swelling in the calves region

 

• Chest pain.

Staying Motivated

It can be difficult to stay motivated to exercise. Some find it helpful to exercise with a partner. An MP3 player with music helps, too. Some hospitals have exercise programs specifically for pregnant women; ask your doctor. And of course, it is motivating to remember that you are not just exercising for your own benefit; you are also doing it for the wellbeing of your baby.