Reiter’s Syndrome, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

Reiter's syndrome is also known as reactive arthritisIt has the triad of symptoms of urethritis, arthritis and uveitisIt cause stiffness of the spine especially in the morningPain in the back, knees, and toes may soon start comingReactive arthritis occur when a joint reacts to an infectionInfection of the urethra and gut can cause joint inflammationRedness of the eye, no pain and no blurred vision is conjunctivitisRedness of the eye, pain and blurring of vision usually means uveitisA gene HLA-B27 is present; so is increase in the ESR rateUrine test may show the presence of infection of the urinary tractIf there is evidence of infection an antibiotic is givenRashes of small nodules on the soles is quite commonTreatment with pain killers will stop the joint painExercise will also help increase the flexibility againSteroids may be injected into painful joints to reduce inflammationImmunosuppressants may be necessary to reduce autoimmune reaction-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the Reiter's SyndromeA Healthy Lifestyle1.
Take a well Balanced Diet2. The main goal of treatment of Reiter's syndrome is to identify and eradicate the underlying infectious source with the appropriate antibiotics if still present. Otherwise, treatment is symptomatic for each problem.a. Analgesics particularly NSAIDs, sulfasalazine, steroids and immunosuppressants may be needed for patients with severe reactive symptoms that do not respond to any other treatment.b.
Antibiotics -- if you still have the bacterial infection that triggered Reiter syndrome.c. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- lower inflammation. These drugs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and prescription drugs.d. Corticosteroids -- may be injected into painful joints to reduce inflammation.e. Drugs that suppress the immune system -- such as sulfasalazine or methotrexate; may be given in more serious cases.f.
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors -- these drugs block a protein that causes inflammation in the body. They may be used in more severe cases and are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. TNF inhibitors include etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and adalimumab (Humira)3. Keep bones and body strongBone marrow produces our bloodEat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.
Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk. Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruitsZinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and SleepAvoid stress and tension5. Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2oe hours a week.
One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone. Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells. Sensitivity of the nerves to the bone may be affected7.
Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply to the bone and spine. Reiter's SyndromeSome people had arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis at the same time. This triad of symptoms became known as Reiter's syndrome. Some people use the term Reiter's syndrome for all cases of reactive arthritis. Some people use the term Reiter's syndrome only when the three classical sympt...