Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Treatment for AS aims to alleviate symptoms, improve functioning, maintain work ability, decrease disease complications, and forestall skeletal damage as much as possible.

What is the trigger of ankylosing spondylitis?

The exact trigger of ankylosing spondylitis remains unknown. However, a strong genetic link exists, with the HLA-B27 gene significantly increasing susceptibility. Other potential triggers include environmental factors, infections, and immune system imbalances.

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What are the 3 most common symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis?

  • Back pain and stiffness: This typically starts in the lower back and worsens during the night or periods of inactivity.
  • Morning stiffness: Difficulty moving and experiencing stiffness upon waking up that improves with activity.
  • Limited flexibility: Reduced range of motion in the spine, making bending forward, looking up, or taking deep breaths challenging.

What are the main causes of ankylosing spondylitis?

While the exact cause is unknown, the leading contributor is genetic susceptibility, particularly the HLA-B27 gene. Other potential factors include:

  • Immune system overactivity: The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, leading to inflammation.
  • Environmental factors: Certain bacterial infections or gut microbiome imbalances might play a role.

What is ankylosing spondylitis life expectancy?

Ankylosing spondylitis is not life-threatening itself, but its impact on mobility and quality of life can vary.

With early diagnosis and proper management, individuals can live a full and active life.

However, severe cases, if left untreated, can lead to complications affecting lung function and posture.

Ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis test:

Unfortunately, there’s no single definitive test for ankylosing spondylitis. Diagnosis involves a combination of:

  • Medical history and physical examination: Discussing symptoms and assessing spine flexibility and joint tenderness.
  • Blood tests: Checking for elevated inflammatory markers and the presence of the HLA-B27 gene.
  • Imaging tests: X-rays, MRI scans, and CT scans to reveal spinal inflammation and potential bone changes.

What tests are done to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis?

As mentioned above, several tests contribute to diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis:

Blood tests:

Measuring C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for inflammation, and human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) for genetic predisposition.

Imaging tests:

  • X-rays: Initial screening for inflammation and bone changes in the sacroiliac joints.
  • MRI scans: Detailed images of the spine and joints to detect early inflammatory changes and damage.
  • CT scans: Can offer clearer views of specific bone structures, especially for sacroiliac joint assessment.

Remember, seeking professional medical advice is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. With early intervention and proper management, individuals with ankylosing spondylitis can lead active and fulfilling lives.

Here is a guide on AS treatment

Step 1: Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

  1. NSAIDs are the first-line treatment for AS.
  2. They help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  3. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs):

  1. DMARDs are used to treat AS when NSAIDs are not effective.
  2. They help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce inflammation.
  3. Examples include sulfasalazine and methotrexate

Biologic agents:

  1. Biologics are used to treat moderate to severe AS.
  2. They target specific molecules involved in the inflammatory process.
  3. Examples include tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) such as adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab, and interleukin-17 inhibitors such as secukinumab and ixekizumab

Step 2: Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of AS treatment and can provide a number of benefits, from pain relief to improved strength and flexibility. A physical therapist can design specific exercises for your needs. To help preserve good posture, you may be taught:

  1. Range-of-motion and stretching exercises.
  2. Strengthening exercises for abdominal and back muscles.
  3. Proper sleeping and walking positions

Step 3: Lifestyle Changes

Stay active:

  1. Exercise can help ease pain, maintain flexibility, and improve your posture.
  2. Low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking are recommended

Quit smoking:

  1. Smoking is generally bad for your health, but it creates additional problems for people with AS, including further hampering breathing

Practice good posture:

  1. Practicing standing straight in front of a mirror can help you avoid some of the problems associated with AS

Step 4: Surgery

Surgery may be recommended if you have severe pain or if a hip joint is so damaged that it needs to be replaced

Keep these precautions in mind:

  1. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying new treatments or altering your existing treatment plan.
  2. Never substitute home remedies for conventional medical treatment.
  3. Monitor your symptoms closely; if symptoms worsen or persist despite treatment, contact your healthcare provider promptly

Julia

Aspired author of the Health and Wellbeing News. Work on improving my life, respect mental health, aim balance. Love pilates, photoshopping, engaging plots and discussions.

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