Ankylosing Spondylitis - Symptom, Diagnosis, Causes, Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a severe form of arthritis of the spinal joints of the back: the spinal bones can eventually become fused . Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in or injury to other joints away from the spine, as well as other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Ankylosing spondylitis shares many features with several other arthritis conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and arthritis associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (ANK-ki-low-sing spon-di-LIE-tis) is a chronic, or long-lasting, disease that primarily affects the spine and may lead to stiffness of the back. However, ankylosing spondylitis may also cause inflammation and pain in other parts of your body:

• Where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones
• Joints between your ribs and spine
• Your hips, shoulders, knees and feet joints
• Your eyes

Cause of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The cause is unknown but genetics seems to play a role. Ankylosing Spondylitis is ten times more likely if other family members are affected, inherited factors are suspected. In some cases, the disease occurs in these predisposed people after exposure to bowel or urinary tract infections.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Early signs and symptoms may include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips — which is often worse in the morning, at night and after periods of inactivity. The symptoms are recurrent attacks of back pain and stiffness, which may be associated with fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight, and anaemia. In advanced stages, the following signs and symptoms may develop:

• Restricted expansion of your chest
• Chronic stooping
• Stiff, inflexible spine
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Eye inflammation
• Bowel inflammation

Disgnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The diagnosis is confirmed by a characteristic X-ray appearance and blood tests. Although most symptoms begin in the lumbar and sacroiliac areas, they may involve the neck and upper back as well. Arthritis may also occur in the shoulder, hips and feet. Some patients have eye inflammation, and more severe cases must be observed for heart valve involvement.

• Medical history including symptoms
• X-rays
• Possibly blood tests for HLA-B27 gene

Treatment or Prevention of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Non-steroidal anti-inflammarory drugs and physiotherapy can now prevent the deformities and disability that used to result from AS. Medical treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Indomethacin is most effective, while sulfasalazine may benefit those with more severe involvement. Peripheral joint arthritis may respond to methotrexate.  With early treatment and regular checks, most people with AS can lead active and productive lives. However, being aware of any personal risk factors for the disease can help in early detection and treatment. Proper and early treatment can relieve joint pain and help to prevent or delay the onset of physical deformities. Treatments may include:

• Exercise
• Medications: NSAIDs, Sulfasalazine
• Posture management
• Self-help aids
• Surgery

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