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Reiter's Syndrome (Reactive Arthritis)
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What Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
What Are the Effects?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Who is at Risk?
Resources and Suggestions
More Information About Reiter's Syndrome
What Is It?
Reiter's Syndrome (RYE-terz SIN-drome) is arthritis that produces pain, swelling,
redness and heat in the joints. It is one of a family of arthritic disorders, called
spondylarthropathies, affecting the spine and commonly involving the joints of the spine
and sacroiliac joints. It can also affect many other parts of the body such as arms and
legs. Main characteristic features are inflammation of the joints, urinary tract, eyes and
ulceration of skin and mouth.
What Are the Symptoms?
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Skin rash
- Inflammation
- Sores
- Pain
What Causes It?
The exact cause is unknown, but the tendency to develop it can run in some families.
About 75% of the people with the tendency to develop this disease have a special gene
marker called HLA-B27.
It can develop in certain people following an infection in intestines or genital or
urinary tract. Reiter's usually occurs through inflammation of the intestinal tract
followed by a bout of diarrhea caused by eating foods contaminated with bacteria such as
salmonella.
What Are the Effects?
Reiter's often begins following inflammation of the intestinal or urinary tract. It
sets off a disease process involving the joints, eyes, urinary tract and skin. Many people
have periodic attacks that last from three to six months. Some people have repeated
attacks, which are usually followed by symptom-free periods.
How Is It Diagnosed?
- Physical exam
- Skin lesions
- Test for the HLA-B27 gene
Treatment Options
For different parts of the body, different treatments are used. Medical therapy
includes:
- Medications: NSAIDs, antibiotics, topical skin medications
- Eye drops
- Joint protection
Various symptoms are treated by healthcare specialists, including:
- A dermatologist for skin disorders
- An ophthalmologist for eye disorders
- A urologist for urinary tract disorders
- Physical therapists teach people with arthritis how to do specific exercises that can
help keep muscles strong and joints from becoming stiff.
- Occupational therapists teach people with arthritis how to reduce strain on their joints
while doing everyday activities.
Who Is At Risk?
Reiter's syndrome usually affects young white men between the ages of 20 and 40.
More
Information About Reiter's Syndrome
Resources and Suggestions
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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