Ankylosing Spondylitis, The Facts:Ankylosing spondilitis is a chronic form of arthritis known to affect around 1 in every 200 people. No cure has been found yet for the disease, however, early diagnosis and proper medical management can become important in reducing the risk of disability and deformity. Ankylosing spondilitis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder of an uncertain aetiology that primarily affects the axial skeleton. The underdiagnosis of AS among women is a common problem probably contributing to the misconception that women rarely have AS. Since Ankylosing Spondilitis is an auto-immune disorder, you're usually prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs. There is some newer drugs that you inject which actually stops the joints from inflaming in the first place. Ankylosing Spondilitis is not at all the first problem but is one of a big and important group of symptoms which is allopathical named . Spondylitis involves inflammation of one or more vertebrae, and Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints between the vertebrae of the spine, and the joints between the spine and the pelvis. Spondylitis is a systemic disease, which means symptoms may not be limited to the joints, where patients may also have a fever, fatigue and loss of appetite. Spondylitis affects 0.1 to 0.5% of the adult population, and although it can occur at any age, spondylitis most often affects men in their 20s and 30s. Severe hip involvement may require hip replacement surgery, and spinal surgery may be required to treat complications of long-standing spinal disease. Severely affected persons usually have a stooped posture. Inflammation from AS occurs where the ligaments of the spine attach to the bone. Other joints, such as the knees and hips and even heat valves can also be affected. Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine and over time, chronic spinal inflammation can lead to complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Patients with AS spend approximately one hour per year with clinicians, with few provisions made for patient participation in their own management for the remainder of the year, resulting in their dependence and disempowerment. Patients with these chronic symptoms frequently report waxing and waning of symptoms. Activities such as sexual intercourse and drinking alcohol significantly exacerbate the expression of symptoms. Patients with symptomatic AS conditions lose productivity leading to work disability and unemployment, use substantial healthcare resources, and have a reduced quality of life. |