Reactive Arthritis Demystified: Insights into Reiter’s Syndrome
Abstract
Reiter’s Syndrome which is also known as Reactive arthritis, is a form of arthritis that is an inflammatory condition of joints, which occurs due to other associated pathologies of the body. It causes pain and swelling in the joints, and as the name reactive arthritis says – it’s triggered by an infection in another part of the body. Infections in the gastrointestinal tract or in the urinary tract can also result in reactive arthritis or reiter’s syndrome after weeks. However sometimes a triad of diseases arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis can result in reactive arthritis. Ayurveda has a vast variety of management of Reactive Arthritis. It says this disease is due to vitiation of vata dosha (one among the three doshas).
Introduction
Reiter’s Syndrome is a type of joint pain and swelling that is triggered by an infection in some other part of the body – most often the site can be the genitals, intestine or urinary tract. It is an autoimmune disorder that causes joint pain and swelling which is caused by a causative organism as mentioned above.
Reactive arthritis or Reiter’s syndrome is not a common disease. Usually the signs and symptoms come on and off and eventually disappear within 12 months. This disease isn’t contagious and it affects men more than females. Reactive arthritis occurs most frequently in adults between 20-40 years of age.
Causes
- The infections that are the cause of reactive arthritis are spread through sexual contact which causes infection in the urinary bladder, urethra, in the penis or the vagina.
- Gastrointestinal infection (Salmonella or E.coli) can also be a cause of this disease, that usually comes in contact by consuming contaminated food.
Signs And Symptoms
- Inflammation and pain in joints like Knees, Feet or Ankles.
- Bony growth in the heel
- Red, painful & irritated eyes
- Blurry vision
- Conjunctivitis (Inflammation of conjunctiva).
- Urethritis (inflammation of urethra)
- Mouth sores & ulcers
- Pain and stiffness of joints
- Rashes on palms and sores
- Low back ache
- Swollen toes or fingers
- Some signs in men include – Increased urine output, burning sensation during micturition, discharge from penis, inflamed prostate gland, sores in glans penis.
- Signs in women include – Inflamed cervix, Urethra, Vulva or vagina associated with pain during micturition.
Diagnosis
There’s no specific test to rule out reactive arthritis, hence diagnosis of this disease can be a bit difficult. However certain test like
- Physical examination
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) – The faster the blood cells fall, the more severe the inflammation.
- X Ray to look for swelling or damage caused to the joint.
- Urine and stool samples to look for bacteria or signs of disease.
- Gene testing – check for HLA-B27 maker.
- Joint aspiration – A small sample of synovial fluid is taken and tested for crystals, bacteria or viruses.
Treatment Of Reactive Arthritis
Treatment of Reactive arthritis will depend upon symptoms, age and general health of the patient. Few points include.
- Antibiotics for treatment of the infection.
- Corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation.
- Immunosuppressive medicines should also be introduced.
- Proper rest should be given to the patient to ease pain and inflammation.
- After the symptoms subsides exercise should be done to strengthen muscle and improve joint function.
Ayurvedic Aspect Of Reactive Arthritis
In Ayurveda, Reactive arthritis or Reiter’s Arthritis can be correlated to be a type of Amavata. Amavata can be considered as inflammation and pain in the joint due to vitiation of vata dosha that eventually slows the process of digestion which causes the ama (undigested food) to block the channels that supply nutrition to the body. Acharya Charaka says that this particular disease (Reactive Arthritis) is caused due to imbalance in vata dosha due to some external factors. As vata dosha is responsible for the mobility of other two doshas (Pitta and Kapha), its vitiation causes imbalance in the body functions and leads to various pathologies.
The Goodnews!?
The good news is that Reactive Arthritis is preventable and reversible, but can only be possible by using holistic approach, the one advocated in Ayurveda that addresses the issues from the very root.
Since ancient times, Ayurveda has defined diseases with their symptoms, causes and healing methods with nature.
If you are having any of the above mentioned symptoms, don’t assume it is Reactive Arthritis yet without any proper diagnosis because there are other joint related diseases that comes with the same symptoms. Consult with a Doctor for accurate diagnosis to find out if Reactive Arthritis is what you are having or any other related disease.
Vine-Health Approach to Reactive Arthritis
As a holistic health clinic, we take accurate diagnosis very seriously in order to ascertain the root cause of a particular illness. You will be consulted with our doctor to know the type of test or scan to run base on your symptoms to detect exactly the root cause of your issue to ascertain if Reactive Arthritis is your issue or not to ensure appropriate treatment.
Accurate diagnosis is the key to the treatment of any disease.
We can really help you out of the issue!
Contact us for your accurate diagnosis or for any issues