Symptoms of reactive arthritis
October 31, 2008
Reactive arthritis is a severe form of arthritis that is characterised by three painful conditions. Inflamed joints, conjunctivitis and inflammation in the genitourinary and gastrointestinal systems are the three main symptoms. The disorder is termed ‘reactive’ as it affects the immune system that fights against the bacterial infections found in the genital, urinary or gastrointestinal structures. As a result, the immune system reacts abnormally when infected with bacteria. This aberrant reaction results in the sudden inflammation of eyes and joints. In the past, reactive arthritis was referred to as Reiter syndrome, but the term has become redundant.
Reactive arthritis generally affects a person during his ‘middle ages’, i.e., thirties and forties. But, though rare, it is also found in people belonging to all age groups. Inflammation in genital organs, as part of reactive arthritis, is found commonly in males. Inflammation after a bowel infection is common in both men and women.
Reactive arthritis owes its origin partly to genetic reasons. HLA-B27 is the gene that is commonly found in reactive arthritis patients. Certain venereal infections can also trigger off reactive arthritis. Chlamydia trachomatis is the type of bacteria that is spotted in a patient during the post-venereal arthritic form. Bacteria such as salmonella, shigella, yersinia, and campylobacter can also result in reactive arthritis. It is usually after one to three weeks of commencement of the infection that the symptoms of reactive arthritis are seen. The joints that generally get inflamed as part of reactive arthritis are the knees, ankles, feet, and wrists. Usually, reactive arthritis affects either of the two sides of the body. The inflammation results in stiffness, pain, redness and warmth of the involved joints along with pain. Non-joint areas that are affected by reactive arthritis include the eyes, genitals, urinary tract (which includes urethra, bladder and prostate gland), skin, lining of the mouth, bowel, and the aorta.
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