Reiter’s Syndrome Basics
With so many different forms of arthritis, many people have never heard of or really know about Reiter’s Syndrome. It is a form of arthritis that affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints. This condition causes swelling, redness, warmth and pain in the affected areas of the joints.
One common symptom of this condition is discharge from the urethra. The urethra is the tube that is responsible for disposing waste from the bladder. Reiter’s Syndrome often causes patient’s to experience urinary frequency, eye infections, weight loss, and skin infections and rashes.
It does appear that there are several environmental factors that may be responsible for Reiter’s Syndrome. Some researchers have been able to establish a link with venereal infections and also infections of the intestinal tract. These types of infections are often the result of the presence of amoeba, bacteria, salmonella and other infectious organisms. Another clue about the nature of Reiter’s Syndrome is that it tends to appear in patients who have become infected with the HIV virus.
Reiter’s Syndrome is more prevalent in young Caucasian males between the ages of 20 and 40, although it has also been known to afflict younger children and older adults. Although the statistics are much lower this condition may also appear in the female population and African Americans.
The major symptoms of Reiter’s Syndrome include inflammation of the urethra several days (usually 7 to 14 days) after sexual intercourse. Urethra discharge may also be present. It may also result in a frequent urgency to urinate, a low-grade fever, red eyes, sudden weight loss, and small sores inside the mouth, and sometimes on the genitals. Other symptoms may include skin infections or rashes, aching of the pelvic area, and painful, stiff, or swelled joints, especially the back, hips, legs and toes.
Many symptoms, including eye and skin infections, will gradually resolve on their own. Other symptoms, such as joint stiffness and pain, must be alleviated through specific drug therapies. NSAID class drugs are typically used to control the pain, heat and swelling of the joints. Cortisone injections may sometimes be used to control swelling and pain. In severe cases of the condition, surgical intervention may be necessary. Lifestyle changes coupled with drug therapy can often result in satisfactory results.
If these conditions remain untreated, the patient will usually not suffer from immediate loss of mobility or permanent joint damage. However, if the condition remains untreated, a permanent form of arthritis may set in. Treatment for Reiter’s Syndrome can be spotty, but there are a number of treatment options that can provide substantial relief. There is no one course of treatment. Rather, doctor and patient must adopt therapies aimed at eliminating or managing the symptoms of the condition.
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