Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a condition that causes swelling and inflammation of small blood vessels. The swollen blood vessels leak blood into the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys. HSP occurs between the ages of 3 and 15 years. It occurs more often in boys. The disease can happen in siblings of the same family. Most children with HSP recover fully. But some children may have kidney problems.

HEH-nohk SHOHN-lin PER-per-uh

HSP is an autoimmune disorder. This is when the body's immune system attacks the body's own cells and organs. With HSP, this immune response may be linked to an upper respiratory tract infection. Other immune triggers may include an allergic reaction, medicine, injury, or being out in cold weather.

Each child's symptoms can vary. Common symptoms include:

• A rash caused by blood leaking into the skin.
• Blood leaking into mucous membranes, internal organs, and other tissues.
• Joint pain and swelling (arthritis).
• Belly (abdominal) pain.
• Bleeding in the digestive tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
• Swollen kidneys.
• Swelling just below the skin.
• Inflammation of the testicles.
• High blood pressure.

Your child's doctor will ask about your child's health history and do a physical exam. Diagnosis is based on symptoms such as:

• Joint pain and swelling.
• A rash.
• Belly pain.
• Kidney disease.

Your child may also need tests such as:

• Biopsy. The doctor may take small tissue samples. They may be taken from the skin or the kidney. They are looked at under a microscope. This may only be needed if the diagnosis is unclear.
• Blood and urine tests. Your child's urine will be checked for blood and protein. A blood test can check kidney function.
• Ultrasound. This imaging test uses sound waves and a computer to make pictures of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. It may be used to look at the digestive tract for signs of the disease.

Treatment will depend on your child's symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is. Treatments for HSP may include:

• Making sure your child drinks enough fluids.
• Making sure your child eats a healthy diet.
• Medicines such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help ease pain.
• Glucocorticoid medicine to control inflammation.
• Medicine to lower blood pressure if needed.
• Natural supplements such as fish oil and antioxidants.

Talk with your child's doctor about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

Most children with HSP recover fully. But some children may have kidney damage. For this reason it's important for a child with HSP to have repeat urine tests and to measure their blood pressure often. This should be done for a few weeks or months after diagnosis, even if there's no early evidence of kidney damage. In rare cases, a child may have kidney failure. Women who've had HSP as a child have a higher risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension (pre-eclampsia).

Contact the doctor if your child:

• Has symptoms that don't get better or that get worse.
• Has stomach pains that make it difficult to drink fluids.
• Has nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Is vomiting blood or something that looks like coffee grounds.
• Has bloody or tar-like bowel movements.
• Has bloody, dark yellow, or brown urine.
• Has a lot of swelling.
• Has dizziness when standing up.
• Has a decrease in urination.

Call 911 if your child:

• Has skin that is cool or clammy or looks blue or gray.
• Has not urinated for 8 hours or more.
• Has severe stomach pain.
• Is unable to stand up due to weakness.