ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS — Causes, Symptoms,Test and Treatment — Healthy Soul

Akylosing Spondylitis is a type of seronegative Spondyloarthropathy (Rheumatoid Factor Negative). It is also known as Bechterew’s disease or maria strampell disease. A chronic inflammatory disease commonly involving joints of spine and later causes fusion of vertebrae (bamboo spine). The condition is more common among males and symptoms are more severe in males. Females often get milder form of Ankylosing Spondylitis . Symptoms usually occurs below 20 years of age. The underlying mechanism of Ankylosing is autoimmuno. 4 thMay is celebrated as world Ankylosing Spondylitis day all over the world.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms typically appear in early adulthood and include reduced flexibility in the spine. This reduced flexibility eventually results in a hunched forward posture. Pain in the back and joints is also common.

• Back joint dysfunction or stiffness.
• Enthesopathy — Swelling of tendo achilis is a definitive features of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
• Anterior Uveitis — eye redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision ia associated with 25% cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Fatigue, Hunched back, Inflamed tendons, Inflammatory bowel disease, Bone tissue formation, Physical deformity or sleep disorder.

DIAGNOSIS

After clinical suspect one should go for investigation.

There is no specific test to diagnose Ankylosing Spondylitis

Physical examination is done to demonstrate reduce joint movements and flexibility. Tenderness over Sacroiliac Joint often found due to inflammation. Schober test is often done by Rheumatologist to measure the flexibility of lumbar spine.

TREATMENT

Ankylosing Spondylitis is neither preventable nor curable.. Treatment is given to reduce symptoms and complications for better lifestyle. It is treated by Rheumatologists..

• Drugs — NSAIDs remain 1st choice for Ankylosing Spondylitis . It not only reduces pain but also reduces disease progression. Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Etoricoxib, Aceclofenac etc are most commonly used NSAIDs.
• TNF alpha Blocker — Infliximab, Adalimumab, Etanercept, Golimumab, Certolizumab are used in parenteral route for NSAID resistant AS and severe form of Ankylosing Spondylitis.
• Sulphasalazine is a DMRD commonly used for peripheral joint involvement in Ankylosing Spondylitis.
• Secukinumab — IL17A inhibitor is highly effective to treat Ankylosing Spondylitis patients

Originally published at https://www.healthysoul.in.