The most important Reactive Arthritis causes

What is Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, and eyes. It typically occurs after an infection or some other type of injury to the body like surgery. The symptoms are being treated with painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics. There are many things you should know before it happens to you, like what types of infections can cause it, how it’s treated, and what your options are if you’re pregnant.

Reactive Arthritis sometimes occurs after an infection. This is called post-infectious Reactive Arthritis because the initial infection may go unnoticed.

The most common infections that cause Reactive Arthritis are urethritis, gastroenteritis, and chlamydia.

Other kinds of infections can also lead to this illness but they’re less known by the public like sexually transmitted diseases or flu infections.

Also during surgery health care professionals will wash out your open wounds with a saline solution which can later develop into Reactive Arthritis.

The type of bacteria in the fluid is what determines whether you’ll get it or not so it’s best to discuss any surgeries with your doctor beforehand just in case you have a higher chance than others do of getting this form of arthritis. It affects men more often than women, especially post-puberty males.

A person with Reactive Arthritis usually gets symptoms within 6 months of the infection, surgery, or injury.

However, it can develop even years after an initial event and last throughout a patient’s life so this is why everyone should know what Reactive Arthritis is and how they can prevent it from happening to them in the future.

Read this article for more information about Reactive Arthritis!

What are the most common causes of Reactive Arthritis?

Many things can cause Reactive Arthritis but the most common one is an infection.

The bacteria in the fluid from an open wound, such as during surgery, can determine if you’ll get Reactive Arthritis or not.

Some other causes of this autoimmune disease are sexually transmitted diseases and flu infections.

It usually develops within 6 months of the infection but it can also develop years later.

This is why everyone should be aware of the symptoms and how to prevent Reactive Arthritis from happening to them in the future.

What causes Reactive Arthritis to develop?

Reactive Arthritis typically develops after an infection or some other type of injury occurs to the body like surgery. There are many things you should know before it happens to you.

Some of the most common causes are urethritis, gastroenteritis, and chlamydia.

Other kinds of infections can also lead to this illness that you may not be aware of like sexually transmitted diseases or flu infections.

During surgery, health care professionals will wash out your open wounds with a saline solution which can later develop into Reactive Arthritis.

The type of bacteria in the fluid is what determines whether you’ll get it or not so it’s best to talk to your doctor beforehand just in case there’s a higher chance than others do of getting this form of arthritis. It affects men more often than women, especially post-puberty males.

Reactive Arthritis usually manifests symptoms within 6 months of the infection, surgery, or injury but it can develop even years later and last throughout a patient’s life.

This is why everyone should be aware of Reactive Arthritis and how to prevent it from happening to them in the future.

There are a few things you can do to help reduce your chances of getting Reactive Arthritis.

Wash your hands before handling anything if you are ill or injured, especially around open wounds. If you have a weak immune system it is recommended that you avoid crowds during the winter months when flu infections are more common. It’s also important to always wash your hands after touching items in public places like doorknobs and shopping cart handles.

If Reactive Arthritis does develop, doctors will generally prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and pain along with physical therapy.

The good news is that it’s not as common as other kinds of arthritis you may be more familiar with like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.

Who is most at risk of developing Reactive Arthritis?

– Men are more likely to develop Reactive Arthritis than women

– It’s most common in post-puberty males

– People with a weak immune system are more at risk of developing Reactive Arthritis

– Many different types of infections can lead to Reactive Arthritis, some you may not be aware of like sexually transmitted diseases or flu infections.

– Someone who has had an injury or infection in the past and developed arthritis within 6 months

– Someone with a weak immune system

– People who are in their 30s or 40s

– Someone who has had surgery in the past and developed arthritis within 6 months following the surgery.

– People in crowded areas during the winter months when flu infections are common.

– People in their 30s and 40s who have had an injury or infection in the past that didn’t lead to arthritis but did lead to another autoimmune disease like lupus.

Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis:

1. Joint pain and swelling:

this is the most common symptom and usually affects the knees, ankles, and feet. The pain can range from mild to severe and is usually worse in the morning or after a long period of rest.

2. Eye irritation:

the eyes may become red, itchy, and watery and patients may experience blurred vision.

3. Skin rashes:

most often, the rash is itchy and appears as red bumps on the trunk of the body or extremities.

4. Fever:

a low-grade fever is common in people with Reactive Arthritis.

5. Fatigue:

people with Reactive Arthritis often feel tired and run down.

6. Bowel:

some people may experience diarrhea, constipation, or both.

7. Mouth ulcers:

these can form on the lips, tongue, and inside of the cheeks.

8. Genital sores:

these can develop in men and women and are often a sign of a sexually transmitted disease.

How to treat Reactive Arthritis?

– There’s no cure for Reactive Arthritis but there are medications that can reduce pain and swelling in the joints and lower the chances of more damage.

– Steroids like prednisone can help bring down inflammation and slow down or stop the destruction of the joints.

– Anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen are often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints.

– Pain medication like acetaminophen can help control pain.

– Physical therapy is an important part of treating arthritis because it helps strengthen the muscles around the affected joints. This is key in helping prevent more damage to them.

How can I live with Reactive Arthritis?

– Try to eat a diet rich in protein because it is the building block of your body’s cells, some sources are lean meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, and legumes.

– Upping your intake of fruits and vegetables ensures you’re getting enough fiber which will help keep your bowels running smoothly.

– Staying hydrated is important because it helps the body function normally and flush out toxins. Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, but more if you’re exercising regularly or live in a hot climate.

– Try to avoid stress as much as possible because it can trigger inflammation, which can worsen your symptoms.

– Make sure you get enough rest, at least 7-8 hours per night.

– Consider using a hot or cold compress on the affected joints to help with pain relief.

What are my options if I’m pregnant and have Reactive Arthritis?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for Reactive Arthritis and the medications that are safe for pregnant women may not be effective in treating the disease. That

said, a woman with Reactive Arthritis has a higher risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. If you’re pregnant and have been diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis, tell your doctor right away. They will monitor you throughout the rest of your pregnancy and closely after delivery to make sure your symptoms don’t get worse. If you develop any new symptoms like a fever or rash, contact your doctor immediately.

How can I prevent Reactive Arthritis from happening to me in the future?

• In many cases, Reactive Arthritis can be prevented by taking antibiotics when you have a urinary tract infection. Always take the full course of antibiotics even if you start to feel better when it’s been a few days.
• Make sure all wounds and scrapes heal properly and don’t get infected in the first place by keeping them clean with soap and water or an antiseptic.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before you eat, after you use the bathroom, and if you’re caring for someone who is sick.
• Avoid getting cuts, scrapes, and injuries in the first place by wearing protective gear like bikes or sports helmets when appropriate.
• If you think you may have Reactive Arthritis, contact your doctor right away for an evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment is key in preventing more damage to the joints.

Conclusion:

Reactive Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, and eyes. It typically develops after an infection or some other type of injury occurs to the body like surgery.

There are many things you should know before it happens to you, like what types of infections can cause it, how it’s treated, and what your options are if you’re pregnant.

If you’re pregnant and have been diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis, tell your doctor right away. They will monitor you throughout the rest of your pregnancy and closely after delivery to make sure your symptoms don’t get worse.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key in preventing more damage to the joints. There is no cure for Reactive Arthritis, but there are things you can do to make it easier to live with, like eating a diet rich in protein, getting enough rest, and staying hydrated.

If you think you may have Reactive Arthritis, contact your doctor right away for an evaluation. They will monitor you throughout the rest of your pregnancy and closely after delivery to make sure your symptoms don’t get worse.

FAQ:

What is the most common cause of Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive Arthritis can be caused by a bacterial infection of the joints, stomach, or urinary tract.

What happens if I have Reactive Arthritis during pregnancy?

If you have Reactive Arthritis and suspect you’re pregnant, tell your doctor right away. They will monitor you throughout the rest of your pregnancy and closely after delivery to make sure your symptoms don’t get worse.

What are some common symptoms of Reactive Arthritis?

The most common symptoms of Reactive Arthritis include pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joints, a rash on the trunk or extremities, eye irritation or inflammation, and fever.

How long can Reactive Arthritis last?

Reactive Arthritis typically lasts 6-12 months. If you start treatments early on, symptoms can improve or go away in as little as 2 weeks.

If my family has a history of Reactive Arthritis, what are the chances I’ll have it?

If your close relatives have had any type of spondyloarthropathy including Reactive Arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, or Ankylosing spondylitis, your chances of developing the condition are increased. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of these conditions were present in your family before you are diagnosed with Reactive Arthritis.

Is Reactive Arthritis curable?

There is no cure for Reactive Arthritis, but there are things you can do to make it easier to live with, like eating a diet rich in protein, getting enough rest, and staying hydrated.

Is there a blood test for Reactive Arthritis?

There is no definitive blood test for Reactive Arthritis, but your doctor may order tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. If you have a rash or joint pain, they may also do a skin biopsy to look for any evidence of an infection.

What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and Reactive Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the entire body, while Reactive Arthritis is a specific type of arthritic condition that usually goes away on its own.

Reactive Arthritis typically lasts 6-12 months. If you start treatments early on, symptoms can improve or go away in as little as 2 weeks.

What diagnostic test shows arthritis?

Your doctor may order tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. If you have a rash or joint pain, they may also do a skin biopsy to look for any evidence of an infection.

Can Reactive Arthritis go away?

Reactive Arthritis typically lasts 6-12 months. If you start treatments early on, symptoms can improve or go away in as little as 2 weeks.

What does Reactive Arthritis pain feel like?

Reactive Arthritis typically lasts 6-12 months. If you start treatments early on, symptoms can improve or go away in as little as 2 weeks.

Does Reactive Arthritis show in blood tests?

There is no definitive blood test for Reactive Arthritis, but your doctor may order tests to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. If you have a rash or joint pain, they may also do a skin biopsy to look for any evidence of an infection.

What viral infections cause arthritis?

Many different viruses can cause arthritis, but the most common is rubella (German measles), hepatitis C, and HIV. If you have any of these infections, be sure to tell your doctor so they can test for Reactive Arthritis.

Does Reactive Arthritis cause a rash?

Reactive Arthritis causes a skin rash that can develop anywhere in the body. Sometimes, it only occurs on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, but it can also spread to other parts like the knees, ankles, elbows, wrists, back of the neck, and inside your mouth.

Resources:

* University of Maryland Medical Center. (n.d.). Rheumatoid Arthritis. Retrieved from http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/rheumatoid-arthritis

* American College of Rheumatology: “Reactive Arthritis.” Accessed November 30, 2014, from https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Reactive-Arthritis

* MedlinePlus: “Reactive Arthritis.” National Library of Medicine – U.S. National Institutes of Health. Accessed November 30, 2014, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000433.htm

* WebMD: “Reactive Arthritis.” Accessed November 30, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/guide/reactive-arthritis?page=2

* Arthritis Foundation: “What Is Reactive Arthritis?” Accessed November 30, 2014, from