Ankylosing Spondylitis Definition, Diagnosis, Signs and symptoms, Reason, Treatment

by

Ankylosing Spondylitis Definition

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that attacks the spine and other joints in the body. This condition usually occurs in their teens or young adults. This inflammatory joint disease is three times more common in men than women.

Until now there is no type of treatment that can cure this disease. Treatment is only to improve the symptoms that arise and prevent the severity of the disease.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Reason

The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is still unknown. Studies suggest a possible association of this chronic disease with a gene called HLA-B27 ( human leukocyte antigen B27).

Of the ten patients with ankylosing spondylitis, nine patients have the HLA-B27 gene. However, it does not mean that those who have the HLA-B27 gene automatically develop ankylosing spondylitis. About eight out of a hundred people in the normal population have the gene.

If a person has ankylosing spondylitis and has the HLA-B27 gene, the risk of their offspring also developing the disease can reach 20 percent. If a person has ankylosing spondylitis but does not have the HLA-B27 gene, the risk of their offspring developing the disease will also be less than 10 percent.

A person’s chances of developing ankylosing spondylitis increase up to three times if a parent or sibling has the disease. The occurrence of this disease is also influenced by environmental factors.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Diagnosis

Making the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is quite difficult because there is no definite test to detect this disease. Ankylosing spondylitis is also a chronic disease that progresses slowly.

Doctors can suspect this disease from the symptoms experienced by the patient. Usually, back pain that does not improve with rest and makes the sufferer wake up from sleep at night, is a typical symptom of ankylosing spondylitis.

Blood tests may be done to look for signs of inflammation. Blood tests also need to be done for genetic testing, namely a test for the HLA-B27 gene that is usually found in people with ankylosing spondylitis. Other supporting examinations can be done, such as X-ray examination, MRI, and ultrasound.

Determination of the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis can even take years. The diagnosis of this disease is made when an X-ray examination shows inflammation of the hip joint and spine ( sacroiliac ) and there is one of:

  • back pain that lasts for at least three months that improves with exercise and worsens with rest
  • impaired movement of the lower spine.
  • restricted chest movement that is not appropriate for age.

According to Osmosis Ankylosing spondylitis – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis vary, depending on the inflamed joints of the body. Symptoms usually occur gradually and over months or even years. Symptoms may appear and disappear, improve, and worsen over time.

Signs that occur include:

  • Back pain and stiffness

Complaints of back pain and stiffness are the main symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Pain may improve with exercise but may worsen with rest. The pain is also worse in the morning and at night and can be felt up to the buttocks.

  • Pain and swelling in other joints of the body

Inflammation of the joints can occur in the spine. But pain and swelling from inflammation can also occur in other joints such as the hips and knees. You will feel more pain when you move these joints. The affected joint may also feel warm.

  • Fatigue

Patients will often experience fatigue and lack of energy, especially if the disease is not treated

Treatment

Until now there is no treatment that can cure ankylosing spondylitis. Damage that occurs will not be returned to normal as before. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and prevent the patient’s condition from getting worse.

Most cases are treated with a combination of the following:

  • Drugs

Medication is used to relieve inflammation and pain. The types of drugs used are anti-pain drugs, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs, and others.

  • Physiotherapy

Physical therapy includes massage and other muscle manipulations to improve spinal comfort and flexibility.

  • surgery

Surgical therapy may be needed to repair severely damaged joints. Surgery can also be done in cases of the spine that has a severe slope.

  • Sport

Exercise is important to do correctly and regularly to reduce joint pain and stiffness.

Prevention

Ankylosing spondylitis is still difficult to prevent because the exact cause is still unknown. Treatment can prevent the disease from getting worse.

Leave a Comment