Reactive Arthritis Reiter’s Syndrome Causes Symptoms Treatment
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Reiter’s Syndrome Vs Reactive Arthritis
What Is Reactive Arthritis?
Reactive Arthritis Reiter’s Syndrome Causes Symptoms Treatment .Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter’s syndrome, is a type of arthritis that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body, typically the urinary tract, genitals, or gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms of reactive arthritis typically include inflammation of the joints, eyes, and urinary tract, as well as pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joints. The condition can also cause skin rashes and sores on the genitals and around the eyes. Reactive arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis and it is treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and, in some cases, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
What Is Reiter’s Syndrome?
Reiter’s syndrome is a form of reactive arthritis, which is a type of arthritis that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body. The syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms: inflammation of the joints (arthritis), inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis), and inflammation of the urinary and/or genital tract. In addition to these symptoms, people with Reiter’s syndrome may also experience skin rashes and sores on the genitals and around the eyes. Reiter’s syndrome is typically caused by an infection with certain types of bacteria, most commonly Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but other types of infections can also trigger the condition. It is treated with Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and in some cases disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Reactive Arthritis Reiter’s Syndrome Symptoms
- The symptoms of reactive arthritis (also known as Reiter’s syndrome) can vary from person to person, but typically include:
- Inflammation and pain in one or more joints, which can lead to stiffness and difficulty moving the affected joints.
- Inflammation of the eyes, which can cause redness, itching, and pain, as well as discharge and light sensitivity.
- Inflammation of the urinary tract, which can cause pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, and blood in the urine.
- Inflammation of the genitals, which can cause pain, discharge, and sores on the genitals or around the anus.
- Skin rashes or sores on the genitals or around the eyes.
- Fatigue and general malaise.
- It’s important to note that some people with reactive arthritis may not have all of these symptoms, and the symptoms may come and go. Symptoms usually appear within the first 1-3 weeks after the infection and can last for several weeks or months, although some people may have chronic or recurrent symptoms. It’s important to see a doctor if you suspect that you have reactive arthritis as early diagnosis and treatment can help to control the symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage.
What Are Causes Of Reactive Arthritis Reiter’s Syndrome?
Reactive arthritis (also known as Reiter’s syndrome) is caused by an infection in another part of the body, typically the urinary tract, genitals, or gastrointestinal tract. The infection triggers an immune response that causes inflammation in the joints, eyes, and urinary tract. The most common causes of reactive arthritis are infections with certain types of bacteria, including:
- Chlamydia trachomatis: a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause inflammation in the urinary tract, genitals, and rectum.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae: a sexually transmitted infection that can cause inflammation in the urinary tract, genitals, and rectum.
- Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter and Yersinia: these can cause gastrointestinal infections leading to reactive arthritis
Other types of infections can also trigger reactive arthritis, including:
- Enteric infections caused by bacteria such as E.coli, Shigella and Salmonella
- viral infections, such as parvovirus B19
- fungal infections, such as candida
It’s important to note that not everyone who is infected with these bacteria will develop reactive arthritis, as it depends on genetic factors as well.
Reactive arthritis is more common in men than women and in people with a genetic predisposition to the condition. People who have HLA-B27 gene are more likely to develop reactive arthritis.
Reactive Arthritis Differential Diagnosis
Differential diagnosis for reactive arthritis (also known as Reiter’s syndrome) includes a number of other conditions that can cause similar symptoms, including:
- Psoriatic Arthritis: a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and can cause stiffness and pain in the lower back.
- Enteropathic Arthritis: a type of arthritis that occurs in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis.
- Lyme disease: a bacterial infection that is transmitted by ticks and can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Gout: a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which can cause sudden, severe pain and swelling.
- Septic Arthritis: a type of arthritis caused by a bacterial infection in the joint.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body.
It’s important to note that some of these conditions can also be triggered by an infection, and that the symptoms of reactive arthritis can overlap with those of other conditions. A proper diagnosis can be made by a rheumatologist or an infectious disease specialist by performing a thorough physical examination and by ordering some laboratory tests. Imaging studies such as X-ray or MRI may also be needed to confirm or exclude the diagnosis.
What Are Reactive Arthritis Reiter’s Syndrome Treatment?
The treatment for reactive arthritis (also known as Reiter’s syndrome) typically involves a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and, in some cases, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications can help to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib.
- Physical therapy: This can help to improve range of motion, strength, and function in the affected joints. Exercises that focus on flexibility and strengthening can help to reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): These medications can help to slow the progression of the disease and prevent long-term joint damage. Examples include methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide.
- Antibiotics: If the underlying cause of the reactive arthritis is an infection, antibiotics will be used to treat that infection.
- Corticosteroids: These medications can be used to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. They are usually used in short term or as a bridge therapy while waiting for the DMARDS to start working.
- Biologic drugs: In case of severe or refractory disease, biologic drugs such as TNF inhibitors (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab) can be used.
It’s important to note that the treatment plan will be tailored to the individual patient based on their symptoms and the severity of their condition. In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach may be needed, involving a rheumatologist, an infectious disease specialist, and a physical therapist.
Natural Home Remedies For Reactive Arthritis Reiter’s Syndrome?
There are a number of natural remedies that may help to alleviate the symptoms of reactive arthritis (also known as Reiter’s syndrome), although it’s important to note that these remedies should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Some natural remedies that may be helpful include:
1. Exercise: Regular exercise can help to reduce pain, improve mobility, and increase muscle strength. It’s important to consult with a physical therapist to develop an exercise program that is safe and appropriate for you.
2. Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected joints can help to reduce pain and stiffness. Heat therapy can be applied using a heating pad, warm bath, or hot pack, while cold therapy can be applied using a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel.
3. Yoga and meditation: Yoga and meditation can help to reduce stress and improve overall health. Yoga poses that focus on stretching and strengthening can help to reduce pain and improve mobility in the affected joints.
4. Diet: Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health. It’s important to avoid foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat.
5. Herbs and supplements: Some herbs and supplements, such as turmeric, ginger, omega-3 fatty acids, and glucosamine, may help to reduce inflammation and pain in the
Ayurvedic Treatment Of Reactive Arthritis Reiter’s Syndrome?
In Ayurvedic medicine, Reactive arthritis or Reiter’s Syndrome is considered as vata-kaphaja type of arthritis, which means it is caused by an imbalance of vata and kapha doshas in the body. The main goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to pacify the vata and kapha doshas, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health.
Treatment may include:
- Herbal remedies such as ginger, turmeric, ashwagandha, and licorice root to reduce inflammation and improve joint health.
- Panchakarma therapies like Abhyanga (massage), Swedana (steam therapy), and Virechana (purgation therapy) to detoxify the body and balance the doshas.
- Ayurvedic diet plan which includes consuming warm, easy-to-digest food and avoiding foods that aggravate vata and kapha doshas.
- Yoga and meditation to manage stress and improve flexibility.
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