Among all types of arthritis, a reactive type stands out, the cause of which is not associated with joint injuries. In this case, this is a kind of response of the body to the development of an infection, which has absolutely nothing to do with the musculoskeletal system.
Reactive arthritis - inflammation of the joints, which is provoked by bacteria that have entered the body. They can get from the digestive, urinary system, as well as damage to the eyes and nasopharynx.
Affection of the joints begins approximately 3-4 weeks after the entry of the bacteria. The pathogen enters the cartilage cavity along with blood and lymph. Even at the initial stage of the course of the disease, a person begins to experience severe pain, as well as problems with mobility in the area of the affected cartilage tissue, an inflammatory process, swelling and redness of the skin.
The danger of the disease lies in the fact that reactive arthritis affects not only the musculoskeletal system, but also internal organs, affecting also the heart and lungs.
Feature of the disease
Reactive arthritis –an inflammatory non-purulent process that develops with or after an infection. Usually, the first symptoms occur approximately 2-4 weeks after the pathogen enters the body.
Often the disease affects people aged 20-40 years. Men are much more likely to get sick than women. Reactive arthritis is mainly associated with sexually transmitted infections, as well as food poisoning. This is a kind of reaction of the body to infection. It is believed that the inflammatory process develops as a result of the fact that microorganisms contain certain substances that are similar to the antigens of body tissues. This causes a lot of problems, as there is significant damage to the joint.
Disease classification
Depending on the characteristics of the clinical course of reactive arthritis of the joint, it is possible to distinguish such forms of the disease as:
- spicy;
- protracted;
- chronic;
- recurrent.
The activity of the virus is determined depending on the severity of inflammation and many other manifestations.
Causes of occurrence
Probable causes of reactive arthritis are hereditary predisposition and the presence in the body of a gene that is completely incompatible with the antigens of the disease-provoking virus. Immunity reacts quite sharply to the presence of microorganisms, affecting its own cells. Reactive arthritis of the knee caused by food poisoning can be triggered by:
- parasites;
- salmonella;
- other types of worms and bacteria.
The main provoking factors for the occurrence of this disease are diseases of the genital organs, which include such as:
- chlamydia;
- mycoplasmosis;
- ureaplasmosis.
Often, arthritis develops as a result of a previous chlamydial infection. The most common ways of infection are sexual contacts, however, bacteria can penetrate through the household route and during childbirth. Pathogens that provoke intestinal diseases are introduced into the body along with dust, food, and also by airborne droplets.
Reactive rheumatoid arthritis can occur after the course of infectious diseases and it is provoked by influenza or cardiac pathologies that form against the background of a sore throat. Thus, the predisposing factors are:
- infections affecting human organs and systems;
- hereditary predisposition;
- abnormal manifestations of immunity.
Knowing the causes of reactive arthritis, the symptoms can be determined by the characteristics of the course of the disease in the body. Characteristic signs help to determine the presence of a pathological process in the body at the initial stages, which guarantees more successful treatment.
Symptoms of disease
Often, the symptoms of reactive arthritis begin to appear in large joints, namely:
- knees;
- hip joints;
- elbows;
- shoulders.
Signs may occur immediately or some time after an infectious disease. Pathology affects the articulation on one side and sometimes tendons, small joints, neck, lumbar region are involved in this process. Among the main symptoms of reactive arthritis are:
- significant soreness in the affected area;
- aching or shooting pain;
- pain when touching the joint;
- puffiness and stiffness;
- limb swelling;
- discomfort when moving;
- skin redness;
- temperature increase.
In addition, there may be systemic manifestations of reactive rheumatoid arthritis, which manifest as:
- kidney inflammation;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- pain in the heart;
- nerve disorders.
The general symptoms may additionally be accompanied by signs of concomitant diseases, in particular such as:
- prostatitis;
- cystitis;
- intestinal disorders;
- conjunctivitis;
- vaginitis;
- skin rashes;
- erosion and ulceration of mucous membranes.
Changes in the skin are characterized by the presence of rashes localized on the palms and soles of the feet. The legs may gradually break down and become somewhat yellowish.
The first symptoms of reactive arthritis in women occur 2 weeks after infection. As a result, the temperature rises in the areaaffected joints, swelling, limbs begin to swell. In addition, pain syndrome may develop, which is most pronounced when walking, as well as performing other movements with the affected limb. Discomfort may be felt on palpation in the area of the affected joint.
A characteristic sign is stiffness of movements, provoked by a violation of the outflow of intraarticular fluid. A sick person cannot move or exercise normally. At the initial stage of the course of the disease, patients show signs of damage to the spine, diseases of the kidneys, heart, and nervous system. In addition, there may be symptoms of malaise and sudden weight loss.
Reactive arthritis develops against the background of previous infectious diseases. Some of them already pass by the time the joints are damaged, and many pass into the chronic stage. In this case, in addition to the signs of arthritis, the patient also has symptoms of infectious diseases.
Skin manifestations are quite rare. They usually occur along with articular manifestations of the disease. Such signs can be very different, ranging from reddening of certain areas of the skin to the formation of small erosions. They may resemble skin lesions as in psoriasis.
In some cases, the autoimmune process can affect the functioning of other organs and systems, causing tissue inflammation. Damage to organs and tissues such as:
- kidney damage;
- heart muscle;
- pericardium;
- nerves.
Symptoms can be very different, however, in any case, there are signs of joint damage. Other manifestations of the disease can occur only in some cases.
Diagnostics
Knowing the causes and symptoms of reactive arthritis, treatment should be carried out as early as possible, and for this, a comprehensive diagnosis is required to determine the characteristics of the course of the disease in the body. Diagnosis involves a visual examination of the patient in order to assess the potential threat to joint damage.
The disease is often found in men of reproductive age. The doctor evaluates the condition of the skin and mucous membranes, determines the presence of inflammation in the limbs. In addition, he must have an idea about previously transferred bacterial diseases of the genital area, as well as the intestines and stomach.
If a reactive form of arthritis is suspected, a specialist may prescribe additional studies, namely:
- blood and urine test;
- fecal analysis for parasites;
- test for gonococci and chlamydia;
- determination of rheumatoid factor.
In some cases, a joint puncture is prescribed. In addition, x-rays of the affected body part are required. If there are complaints of a violation of the activity of the heart muscle, echocardiography may be prescribed.
X-rays of the joints can be taken even ifpregnancy, if there is an urgent need. Modern devices make it possible to minimize the radiation dose and direct the rays to the joint area. Ultrasound is the study of limbs using sound waves. It allows you to identify a number of pathologies that may be completely invisible on an x-ray. On ultrasound, you can determine such signs of the disease as:
- tendinitis;
- bursitis;
- tenosynovitis.
In addition, it allows you to get complete information about the damage to the kidneys and heart muscle, if the inflammation is too intense. Arthroscopy refers to new research methods. It consists in introducing a small camera into the joint cavity, which allows you to assess the condition of the tissues within the joint.
Features of treatment
Treatment of reactive arthritis should be strictly individual, and it is carried out in a hospital, as its course may be associated with the presence of infections. The goal of therapy is to eliminate the infection, as well as reduce the progression of the disease. If symptoms of an infectious lesion are observed, then antibacterial drugs are prescribed to eliminate bacteria and the cause of inflammation.
In addition, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to treat reactive arthritis to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. In the severe stage of the lesion, injections of glucocorticosteroids are sometimes prescribed directly into the articular area. Since the use of antibacterial drugs adversely affectsbeneficial intestinal microflora, a course of probiotics is prescribed in parallel. Vitamins support the body's defenses.
Depending on whether the underlying cause of the infectious disease was conjunctivitis or urogenital infection, topical creams and ointments are prescribed. Contribute to the recovery of physiotherapy due to more active microcirculation of fluid inside the joint cavity, increased intake of nutrients and blood flow.
During the course of an active inflammatory process, significant loads should be avoided. However, after stopping the acute stage of the disease, it is recommended to gradually restore physical activity.
Depending on the symptoms of reactive arthritis, treatment is prescribed strictly individually, taking into account the presence of concomitant pathologies and possible complications. Timely diagnosis is very important for therapy. It is worth remembering that in the initial stages, the pathogen is more susceptible to the effects of medications.
Features of the disease in children
Reactive arthritis can manifest itself at a very early age, when the baby is exposed to the harmful effects of bacteria and viruses, as his immunity is not fully formed. Boys often suffer from this disease.
Loss of the musculoskeletal system is mainly associated with hereditary predisposition and autoimmune pathologies. Symptoms of the disease in children may occurless pronounced than in adults. Often the child does not experience much discomfort during games and during the period of mobility. Soreness can occur only with pressure on the inflamed joint. Symptoms and treatment of reactive arthritis in children can be very different, however, among the main signs of the disease can be identified:
- swelling and redness of the skin in the affected area;
- urethritis;
- frequent conjunctivitis.
Treatment in this case must be comprehensive and qualified, as this will allow you to get rid of the disease very quickly. Without proper therapy, serious pathologies can develop, leading to joint destruction.
Traditional Medicine Methods
Regardless of the cause, the treatment of reactive arthritis in a child should be comprehensive. The goal of therapy is to eliminate the infection, complete recovery or achieve remission. The use of medications is mandatory.
Basically, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting. To do this, prescribe antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs. To eliminate chlamydia in children older than 8 years, the use of fluoroquinolones and tetracyclines is indicated. A younger child is prescribed macrolides.
In addition, the use of immunomodulators is required to stimulate the body's resistance to various infections.
Arthritis caused by intestinal infection is treated with aminoglycosides, and immunosuppressive drugs are indicated. Atin the course of a continuous exacerbation, Sulfasalazine is prescribed. The course of therapy and medicines are prescribed exclusively by the attending doctor. Treatment requires special care, since the child's body can react to drugs completely unpredictably, up to increased inflammation.
Folk treatment
Together with drug therapy, the use of alternative therapy methods is shown. This implies the external use of compresses, ointments, applications. Usually, ointments are made on the basis of fat and an anti-inflammatory component, for example, honey or vegetable raw materials. Instead of fat, alcohol or vodka can be used for a greater concentration of the drug.
Hot pads with steamed herbs, in particular, such as:
- chamomile;
- hops;
- melilot;
- elderberry.
You can use herbs individually or in a mixture. To prepare the medicine, you need to heat the raw materials in a container with a small amount of water almost to a boil. Then fill small linen bags with the mixture and apply to the affected area for 15-20 minutes.
A slightly heated cabbage leaf is considered an effective remedy. It must be smeared with honey, applied to the sore joint, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and secured with a bandage. Top with a warm scarf. It is advisable to do this procedure at night.
You can apply a compress prepared on the basis of ammonia, bile, honey, iodine and glycerin, taken in equalproportions. The finished mixture should be left for 10 days in a dark place. Then take the required amount of the mixture, heat it in a water bath, moisten gauze in the solution and apply it to the affected area. Wrap with foil on top and wrap with a woolen scarf. This procedure should be carried out daily until the symptoms are eliminated.
Dieting
Proper nutrition will help maintain he alth and restore strength. During this period of illness, the child should receive the most vitamin and mineral rich food. It is recommended to exclude spicy and fatty foods from your usual diet, replacing them with stews and more lean ones. It is important to consume as much marine fish as possible, since the acids contained in its composition have a good effect on cartilage.
Some vegetables can aggravate arthritis. Therefore, it is not recommended to consume eggplants, sweet peppers, potatoes and tomatoes. Preference should be given to a s alt-free diet with the mandatory inclusion of foods containing calcium. It is important to follow a diet that helps reduce acidity, therefore, it is imperative to include in the diet:
- bird and fish;
- dairy products;
- fish oil.
It is also important to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, as they contain vitamins and antioxidants that protect against negative external influences.
Prognosis after treatment
Prognosis after treatment is often quite good. Full recovery occurs literally in 6-12 months. Only atfew patients may return symptoms again or the disease becomes chronic.
Possible Complications
The effects of reactive arthritis in childhood can lead to juvenile spondyloarthritis. This pathology is a complex inflammatory process that affects larger joints. Occasionally, patients may experience deformity of the joints or curvature of the foot.
If left untreated or completely absent, the disease can provoke ankylosis of the joints. In difficult cases, myocarditis or glomerulonephritis occurs, which often leads to the death of the patient.
Prophylaxis
Knowing the causes, symptoms, treatment and consequences of reactive arthritis, it is important to prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases that provoke the formation of arthropathy. Preventive measures include:
- leading a he althy lifestyle;
- compliance with hygiene rules;
- consumption of fresh and quality food;
- exclusion of hypothermia;
- timely vaccination.
In addition, it is important to use contraceptive methods during sexual intercourse, as well as consult a doctor in a timely manner in case of infectious diseases.
