Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter’s syndrome, is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body (cross-reactivity). Coming in contact with germs and developing a disease can trigger the illness. From the time the patient presents with symptoms, frequently the “cause” disease was treated or is in remission in chronic situations, consequently creating determination of the first trigger difficult.
The arthritis frequently is combined with other attribute symptoms; this was known as Reiter’s syndrome, or Reiter’s disease. The word “reactive arthritis” is increasingly used as a substitute with this designation due to Hans Conrad Julius Reiter’s war crimes together with all the Nazi Party. The indications of reactive arthritis include the following triad of symptoms: an inflammatory arthritis of large joints, inflammation of the uterus in the shape of conjunctivitis or uveitis, also urethritis in males or cervicitis in woman. Arthritis happening alone after sexual exposure or enteric disease is also called reactive arthritis. Patients may also present with mucocutaneous lesions, in addition to psoriasis-such as skin lesions like circinate balanitis, and keratoderma blennorrhagicum. Enthesitis could call for the Achilles tendon leading to heel pain. Not many affected men have all of the reflections.
Reactive usually targets your knees and the joints of your ankles and feet. Inflammation also can affect your eyes, skin and urethra.
Previously, reactive arthritis was sometimes called Reiter’s syndrome, which was characterized by eye, urethra and joint inflammation.
Isn’t common. For most people, signs and symptoms come and go, eventually disappearing within 12 months.
Symptoms of reactive arthritis
The signs and symptoms of reactive arthritis generally start one to four weeks after exposure to a triggering infection. They might include:
- Skin problems. It can affect your skin a variety of ways, including a rash on your soles and palms and mouth sores.
- Urinary problems. Increased frequency and discomfort during urination may occur, as can inflammation of the prostate gland or cervix.
- Pain and stiffness. The joint pain associated with reactive arthritis most commonly occurs in your knees, ankles and feet. You also might have pain in your heels, low back or buttocks.
- Low back pain. The pain tends to be worse at night or in the morning.
Causes
Reactive develops in response to a disease on your body, frequently in your intestines, genitals or urinary tract. You may not be conscious of the triggering infection if it induces mild symptoms or none in any way.
Quite a few bacteria may lead to reactive arthritis. Many are transmitted sexually, and many others are foodborne. The most Frequent ones include:
- Shigella
- Yersinia
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium difficile
- Chlamydia
- Salmonella
Reactive arthritis is not contagious. On the other hand, the germs which cause it may be transmitted sexually or from contaminated food. Just some of the men and women that are exposed to these bacteria create reactive arthritis.
Prevention
Genetic factors seem to play a part in whether you are very likely to develop reactive arthritis. Although you can not change your genetic makeup, you may lower your exposure to the germs that may cause reactive arthritis.
Ensure that your food is kept at appropriate temperatures and can be cooked correctly to help you avoid the numerous foodborne bacteria which may lead to reactive arthritis, such as salmonella, shigella, yersinia and campylobacter. Some sexually transmitted diseases can cause reactive arthritis. Using condoms may decrease your risk.
