Final answer:
Raynaud's disease is diagnosed by considering symptoms after cold exposure or stress and is confirmed with clinical assessment and possibly blood tests or a cold-stimulation test to exclude similar conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diagnosis of Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease diagnosis typically involves clinical assessment and possibly other tests to rule out associated conditions. Symptoms are carefully evaluated, often through a patient's description of their experiences with cold exposure or stress that lead to color changes in the fingers or toes. To rule out diseases with similar symptoms, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, blood tests or other lab work, like an antinuclear antibody test (ANA), may be conducted.
In some cases, a cold-stimulation test may be performed to trigger and observe the Raynaud's response. Doctors also assess medical history and conduct physical examinations to aid in diagnosis. It is important to distinguish between primary Raynaud's (no underlying disease) and secondary Raynaud's (associated with other conditions), as the treatment approach may vary accordingly.