Ankylosing spondylitis (ankylosing spondylitis) is a systemic chronic disease of the joints, in which the pathological process is mainly located in the sacroiliac joints, paravertebral soft tissues and joints of the spine. The prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis varies from 0.15 to 1.4% among adults.
REASONS
The exact causes of the development of ankylosing spondylitis has not yet been clarified. According to some experts, the main cause of this disease is the immune aggression of the body in relation to the tissues of the ligaments and joints. Bechterew’s disease develops in people with a certain hereditary predisposition. People suffering from this disease are carriers of the HLA-B27 antigen, which is the cause of changes in the immune system. Hypothermia of the body, as well as the presence of chronic infectious diseases, can be a provoking factor for ankylosing spondylitis. Risk factors also include spinal injuries, hormonal disorders, allergies and chronic inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.
SYMPTOMS OF BEHTEREV DISEASE
Onset of the disease is manifested by general symptoms such as weakness, drowsiness, irritability. Patients note painful joints and muscles. During this period, the symptoms are very weak, and patients do not pay it enough attention. In some cases, the onset of ankylosing spondylitis may indicate eye damage. Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are pain and a feeling of stiffness in the lumbar region. As a rule, painful symptoms occur at night and are worse in the morning. When moving, the pain subsides. Later, the pains begin to spread up the spine, the physiological curvatures of the spine begin to smooth out, and pathological kyphosis is formed. There is a constant strain on the back muscles. Late stages of ankylosing spondylitis are characterized by accretion of the joints of the vertebrae and ossification of the intervertebral discs. Intervertebral bone bridges are gradually formed, which are visible on the radiograph.
DIAGNOSTICS
The diagnosis is made on the basis of examination, history taking and special studies. If you suspect ankylosing spondylitis, X-ray examination, magnetic resonance and computed tomography of the spine are necessary. Complete blood count shows elevated levels of ESR. For final confirmation of the diagnosis, a test is performed to identify the HLA-B27 antigen. In the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, it is necessary to conduct a differential diagnosis with other degenerative diseases of the spine (spondylosis, osteochondrosis, and others).
TYPES OF DISEASE
The following forms of ankylosing spondylitis are distinguished: Central form – only the spine is affected. Rhizomelic form – lesion of the spine with changes in root joints. Peripheral form – damage to the spine and peripheral joints. Scandinavian form – the defeat of the small joints of the hands.
ACTION OF THE PATIENT
It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. It is impossible to fully cure of ankylosing spondylitis, but if you follow all the recommendations of the doctor, you can significantly slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life of the patient.
TREATMENT OF BEHTEREV’S DISEASE
Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is complex and long. Therapy includes hospitalization of the patient, regular visits to the clinic and spa treatment. Drug therapy involves the use of glucocorticoids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and enzyme preparations (wobenzym), and in severe forms of the disease – immunosuppressants. In the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis used physiotherapy methods and physical therapy.
COMPLICATIONS
Of the possible complications of ankylosing spondylitis, the most dangerous are the lesions of the heart and aorta, which occur in approximately 20% of patients. Such disorders are accompanied by shortness of breath, painful sensations behind the sternum and disturbances in the work of the heart. About one third of all patients develop amyloidosis (kidney degeneration), which leads to renal failure. With a decrease in lung mobility, the likelihood of developing lung disease increases.
PREVENTION
Prevention of ankylosing spondylitis is reduced to the early detection of the disease, as well as the avoidance of provoking factors in the presence of hereditary predisposition.