Ankylosing spondylitis(AS) is a punch in ofinflammatory arthritisthat causesinflammationof the spine.
It is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system causes damage to the body’s own tissues.
AS is a progressive condition, which means it will get worse over time.
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Even so, the disease is manageable, and spinal fusion and other disease complications might be preventable.
This article will cover AS symptoms, stages, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and more.
Females report more peripheral arthritis symptoms, fatigue, enthesitis, and comorbid conditions like IBD.
Females also have a longer delay in diagnosis than males.
(Note that when citing research, the terms for sex and gender from the source are used.)
What Causes Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Anyone can get AS, but certain risk factors might increase the likelihood of the disease.
If other family members have AS or another autoimmune disease, you are more likely to get the disease.
AS is also linked to theHLA-B27 mutated gene,which runs in families.
Additional risk factors for AS are:
What Triggers AS Symptoms?
AS causes bothlocalized and generalized flares.
Localized flares affect one primary area (usually the back) and cause pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
The healthcare provider will also request imaging to look for damage to bones and soft tissues of the spine.
This might include an X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Conditions that mimic ASinclude:
What Is the Typical Age of Diagnosis?
Even though diagnoses are common in young adulthood, anyone can develop AS, including children and older adults.
It is rare, but some people can have a new symptom onset of AS after age 45.
You will want to reduce or eliminate these types of food and include more anti-inflammatory foods.
Examples ofanti-inflammatory foodsare:
Surgery
Most people with AS will never need surgery.
Surgery is recommended if you have spine, hip, or other joint damage that needs repairing or replacement.
Lifestyle Changes
Your lifestyle choices might help you to manage AS.
They may request testing and make the diagnosis or refer you to arheumatologistif they suspect AS.
A rheumatologist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that attack the muscles and joints.
As the disease gets worse, the spine will lose flexibility, and back pain will become more intense.
Additional disease complications of AS are:
Complications of AS might be preventable by following your treatment plan.
Contact a healthcare provider if new symptoms come up or if you feel medications are not managing your symptoms.
Can You Prevent Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Autoimmune diseases like AS are generally not preventable.
Reducing some of your risk factors might be possible.
For example, you might avoid smoking and practice a healthy lifestyle to reduce risk.
Let your healthcare provider know if you have a family history of the condition or other risk factors.
It can also affect your emotional health and limit your social life.
There are also things you might do to better cope, including being active and managing stress.
Outlook for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylosis symptoms will worsen over time.
The disease is rarely disabling or life-threatening, but symptoms can interfere with your ability to enjoy life.
ensure you follow your treatment plan and take advantage of all the resources your doctor provides.
Pain and inflammation are manageable, and disease complications and disability can be avoided.
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