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Amkylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine, leading to inflammation and potential fusion of vertebrae, but it can also impact other joints. Symptoms include back pain, reduced spinal flexibility, joint pain, fatigue, eye inflammation, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical exams, imaging tests, and blood tests, while treatment options include NSAIDs, biologic medications, physical therapy, posture training, and possibly surgery.

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25 views1 page

Amkylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine, leading to inflammation and potential fusion of vertebrae, but it can also impact other joints. Symptoms include back pain, reduced spinal flexibility, joint pain, fatigue, eye inflammation, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. Diagnosis involves medical history, physical exams, imaging tests, and blood tests, while treatment options include NSAIDs, biologic medications, physical therapy, posture training, and possibly surgery.

Uploaded by

bubangazelle
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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AMKYLOSING

SPONDYLITIS
SUMMAR Y

DEFINITION
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory
disease that primarily affects the spine, causing
inflammation in the vertebrae and potentially
leading to the fusion of the spine. However, it
can also affect other joints, such as the hips,
shoulders, and knees. It belongs to a group of
conditions called spondyloarthritis, which involve
inflammation of the joints and ligaments.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS


1. Back pain and stiffness: Typically worse in the morning or after periods of
inactivity, and often improves with exercise.
2. Reduced spinal flexibility: As AS progresses, the spine may become less
flexible due to the fusion of the vertebrae, leading to a stooped posture.
3. Pain and stiffness in other joints: AS can also affect other joints, such as the
hips, shoulders, and knees, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
4. Fatigue: Many individuals with AS experience fatigue, which can be
debilitating.
5. Eye inflammation: Some people with AS may develop inflammation in the
eyes (uveitis), leading to eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
6. Difficulty breathing: In severe cases, fusion of the ribs to the spine can restrict
chest expansion, leading to difficulty breathing.

DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis of AS typically involves a combination of medical
history, physical examination, imaging tests, and blood tests. Key
diagnostic criteria include:
Symptoms: Including back pain and stiffness lasting for more
than three months.
Physical examination: Assessing spinal flexibility, joint
swelling, and other signs.
Imaging tests: X-rays and MRI scans can reveal inflammation
and structural changes in the spine and affected joints.
Blood tests: While there's no specific blood test for AS,
certain markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein
(CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), may be
elevated.

TREATMENT
1. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are
often the first line of treatment for managing pain and
inflammation. If NSAIDs are insufficient, biologic medications
that target specific inflammatory pathways may be prescribed.
2. Physical therapy: Exercises to improve flexibility, posture, and
strength can help manage symptoms and maintain mobility.
3. Posture training: Techniques to improve posture and prevent
stooping may help delay spinal fusion.
4. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to
correct spinal deformities or relieve pressure on nerves.

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