Ankylosing spondylitis – A disease with predominant inflammation of the joints of the spine, which can also infect the eye, as well as other joints including the hip, chest wall, the heel area, and in some cases, shoulder, wrist, knee, ankle joints, and joints of the foot. In rare cases, ankylosing spondylitis causes complications, such as thickening of the main artery (aorta) and cardiac (aortic) valve, as well as scarring of the lungs.
Prolonged inflammation can lead to scarring and erosion of tissue. For some people the disease is moderate, the clinical picture develops gradually and is characterized Just noticeable symptoms. In the remaining patients with ankylosing spondylarthritis inflammatory process may proceed more acute.
The probability of worsening symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis depends on several factors, including age, the period of the first symptoms, time of diagnosis and type of affected joints. To date, the sooner something to say but, according to experts, prior treatment with the latest drugs would reduce inflammation, prevent tissue scarring and limit the progression of the disease.
Early ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis usually begins with a dull pain and stiffness in lower back. Some people can alternate periods of exacerbation and relief of pain and stiffness. Outbreaks of the disease may last several weeks.
Patients with ankylosing spondylarthritis may experience soreness and stiffness in the lower and middle-back, hip joint or the cervico-occipital region. The pain may intensify in the weeks or months, and, as a rule, it is hard to predict when wills the aggravation. Shackles aggravated in the morning, after awakening, and last for hours. The pain is particularly acute between 3 and 6 hours of morning sleep. Pain and stiffness can be reduced through exercise.
Some people the disease is exhausting. Fatigue is caused by the organism to fight inflammation – a characteristic feature of ankylosing spondylitis, as well as increasing stiffness and pain.
Inflammation can reach iris (iritis). Irit develops in 25% – 30% of patients with ankylosing spondylarthritis and is characterized by symptoms such as redness, eye pain and sensitivity to light.
Severe degree of ankylosing spondylitis
Prolonged inflammation can lead to scarring and permanent erosion of tissue.
Scarring of the spine leads to concretionary joints of the spine ( soldering). As a result of accretion of bones, back pain is gradually taking place, but the spine loses its flexibility and becomes constrained. Spliced spine, in particular, cervical spine, is more susceptible to fractures (cracks).
Changes in the spine may cause a violation of posture and limited mobility. Upper spine is bent, and eventually formed ssutulennaya posture. In addition, the loss of the natural curves of the spine becomes difficult to maintain balance when standing and walking, especially in the case of destruction of the hip joint.
Deformation of the upper spine and stiffness in the chest wall may cause difficulty in breathing. Severe degree of ankylosing spondylitis can also lead to scarring of the lungs (pneumosclerosis) and increase the risk of infectious disease. Smokers may experience more serious complications because their lungs are weakened and more susceptible to infections and scarring.
Scarring the eye can lead to serious visual impairment and glaucoma.
In rare cases there is scarring of the heart muscle, causing inflammation of the heart valves. Can disrupt the heart rhythm (heart failure). Main coronary arteries (the aorta) may also become inflamed and grow in the area near the heart. Shackles chest wall may be accompanied by a feeling of discomfort or heaviness in the chest. Ankylosing spondylitis also worsens the overall functioning of the heart.
If you find symptoms of complications, such as a feeling of heaviness or pain in the chest with a deep breath, immediately consult a doctor to verify the absence of serious heart disease or lung.
Please visit the following sections for more information:
Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Treatment Of Ankylosing Spondylitis
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