Reactive arthritis

Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis (pronunciation: ree-ak-tiv ar-thri-tis) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body (cross-reactivity). The term "reactive arthritis" is used to describe a form of joint inflammation that is a reaction to an infection present in a different part of the body.

Etymology

The term "reactive arthritis" was first used in 1969 and comes from the fact that the arthritis is "reacting" to an infection that is present elsewhere in the body. The term "arthritis" comes from the Greek "arthron" meaning joint, and "itis" meaning inflammation.

Symptoms

Reactive arthritis typically involves pain and swelling in the knees, ankles, and feet. There may also be inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis or uveitis) and urethra (urethritis).

Causes

Reactive arthritis is usually triggered by an infection in the bowel, genitals, or urinary tract. The most common bacteria associated with reactive arthritis are Chlamydia, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of reactive arthritis is based on a combination of symptoms, physical examination findings, and possibly on the results of laboratory tests. There is no specific test for reactive arthritis, but tests may be done to rule out other conditions and to identify the triggering infection.

Treatment

Treatment for reactive arthritis aims to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying infection. This may involve a combination of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and antibiotics.

Prognosis

The prognosis for reactive arthritis varies. Some people recover fully within six months, but others may have persistent symptoms or develop long-term joint damage.

Related Terms

• Inflammatory arthritis
• Joint inflammation
• Chlamydia
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Yersinia
• Campylobacter
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroids
• Antibiotics

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Reactive arthritis
• Wikipedia's article - Reactive arthritis

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