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Reactive arthritis is a very common condition in the group of rheumatic diseases. Identified as Reiter’s syndrome – manifests itself with many symptoms, which unfortunately does not go hand in hand with the knowledge of the causes and the ease of making an appropriate diagnosis. Favorable conditions for the development of this disease are created, among others, by: past infections. How to recognize the symptoms of this disease? What is the treatment like after being diagnosed with Reiter’s syndrome?
Reactive Arthritis – What Causes This Specific Inflammation?
Reiter’s syndrome is, in the simplest sense, post-infectious arthritis associated with spondylitis. Typically, this disease develops as a result of previous infections of the genitourinary, respiratory, digestive system or in connection with genetic predisposition. Researchers conclude that the HLA B27 antigen plays a significant role here, the presence of which in the body increases the risk of developing this disease several dozen times. Men are much more likely to be affected than women, and people between the ages of 20 and 40 are usually affected.
Joint disease – recognize the symptoms
Reactive arthritis takes the form of many symptoms, so it is not easy to make a clear diagnosis here. One of the most characteristic symptoms is arthritis, which usually affects one or more joints. Most often it affects the ankle, knee and wrist joints. Inflammation within these joints is manifested by increased pain in the knees, ankles, feet and swelling of these parts. In addition, there is also enthesitis recognized, among others, by the specific “tennis elbow”. Very often, Reiter’s syndrome is accompanied by inflammation of the spine, which is easy to identify due to the soreness of the buttocks, pain in the lower back, a feeling of stiffness. Sometimes, the disease is diagnosed at an advanced stage, which means that many patients are diagnosed with chronic arthritis or recurrent inflammation in the sacroiliac area.
Another characteristic symptom of Reiter’s syndrome is the occurrence of pathological changes in the organ of vision. Most often it takes the form of conjunctivitis, although there are cases of corneal ulceration, iritis or uveitis. These symptoms are very visible, because it is impossible to miss invariably red eyes, swelling, frequent and unconditional tearing.
Another characteristic symptom of the problem in this area is inflammation of the urethra or bladder, which make itself felt by feeling pain and burning when passing urine with a cloudy, unnatural color containing secretions.
In addition, intestinal inflammation, which may be indicated by diarrhea or recurrent abdominal pain, is also alarming. Sometimes, there are also changes in the cardiovascular system, in the mucous membranes and on the skin. There may be unsightly skin eruptions in the form of papules, calluses, traditional acne. Sometimes there are erosions in the oral cavity, located on the palate, gums, cheeks, tongue. Of course, as in the case of other inflammations, systemic ailments can also manifest themselves through feverish states, a general feeling of weakness.
Reactive Arthritis – Diagnose Correctly and Treat!
Diagnosis in the case of this disease is carried out by blood, urine, feces, synovial fluid, and synovial membrane tests. The diagnosis of this condition usually means that the patient needs to limit physical activity. Rehabilitation measures are recommended. Typically, patients take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain. If such pharmacological action turns out to be ineffective, it is supplemented with the addition of modifying drugs, e.g. azathioprine. If the inflammation is caused by a history of chlamydia, the patient is given antibiotics. In the case of skin changes, the intervention of a dermatologist is necessary, and in the case of changes around the eyes, the intervention of an ophthalmologist.