Ankylosing Spondylitis

 Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae of the spine and the joints between the spine and the pelvis. The exact cause of AS is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for AS, as well as ways to manage the condition.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The exact cause of AS is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The condition is associated with a genetic marker called HLA-B27, which is present in about 90% of people with AS. However, not everyone with this marker develops the condition. Environmental factors, such as infections or injuries, may also play a role in the development of AS.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Symptoms of AS can vary depending on the severity of the condition. The most common symptoms include back pain and stiffness, particularly in the lower back and hips. Other symptoms may include fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. In some cases, the condition can also affect other joints, such as the shoulders, hips, and knees.

Eye symptoms can also occur in AS, and may include iritis, uveitis, and conjunctivitis, which are inflammation of the iris, uvea, and conjunctiva respectively.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of AS is typically made through a combination of a physical examination, laboratory tests, such as blood tests and imaging studies, and a review of the patient's medical history. It's important to note that the symptoms of AS are similar to those of other conditions, such as osteoarthritis or other forms

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ABETALIPOPROTEINEMIA (BASSEN-KORNZWEIG SYNDROME) Retinopathy

Image
Abetalipoproteinemia, also known as Bassen-Kornzweig syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to absorb and transport fats and fat-soluble vitamins. One of the ways that abetalipoproteinemia can affect the eyes is by causing retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that causes vision loss. Retinitis pigmentosa is a degenerative eye disease that affects the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye). It is characterized by the gradual loss of photoreceptor cells (cells that detect light and send signals to the brain) and the accumulation of pigment in the retina. This can cause vision loss and may lead to blindness in severe cases. Abetalipoproteinemia can also cause optic atrophy, a condition in which the optic nerve (the nerve that carries visual information from the eye to the brain) becomes thin and weak. This can cause vision loss and other visual problems. In conclusion, abetalipoproteinemia can affect the eyes by causing reti...
Read more

What is myopia?

Image
Myopia is nearsightedness and this condition of eye occurs when the power of eye is increased from the normal powers of eye. The normal powers of eye is 58DS and the eye with >58DS eye power will be marked as myopic eye.  Definition   When parallel light rays coming from the infinity focus Infront of the retina while the accommodation should be at rest this condition of eye is known as myopia.
Read more

Scleritis

Scleritis 👌is a painful inflammation (swelling) the sclera. The tough, fibrous tissues of the sclera form a protective outer layer for the eye and make up 83 percent of the eye’s surface. In almost half of all cases, scleritis is associated with an underlying autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis. There are two main types of scleritis: anterior and posterior. Anterior scleritis, the most common type, affects the front portion of the sclera. There are three types of anterior scleritis: Diffuse scleritis is the most common type and fortunately the most treatable. This type displays widespread redness and inflammation throughout the whole or a portion of the front portion of the sclera.     Nodular scleritis, is characterized by the presence of nodules , often tender to the touch, on the surface of the eye.     Necrotizing scleritis is the most severe form of anterior scleritis. It has the ability to destroy scleral tissues an...
Read more