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Ankylosing Spondylitis

Description

An inflammatory disease that gradually causes some small bones in your spine (vertebrae) to fuse. The fusion of bones makes the spine less flexible, resulting in a hunched-forward posture. If the ribs are also involved, breathing difficulties may occur.

It more commonly occurs in men as compared to women. Additionally, the inflammation associated with the disease may spread to other parts of the body, such as the eyes.

Causes

Ankylosing Spondylitis has no reported specific cause. However, genetic factors seem to play a significant role. A gene, called the HLA-B27 gene, is known to be associated with the disease; some individuals with this gene may develop Ankylosing Spondylitis.

 

Risk factors

The following are the risk factors:

  • Males: At a higher risk than females
  • Age: Mostly occurs in late adolescence or early childhood
  • Hereditary Factors: Children of parent (s) with Ankylosing Spondylitis may develop it as well
Symptoms

The following are the symptoms:

  • Pain in lower back and hips
  • Lower back stiffness
  • Neck pain
  • Fatigue

The most frequently affected joints are the following:

  • The joint between the spine and pelvis
  • The lower back vertebrae
  • The region where the tendons and ligaments attach to bones, mainly in the spine, or along the back of your heel
  • The hip and shoulder joints

 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis is made when a doctor examines the patient physically, checks relevant symptoms, and performs certain lab tests.

The diagnosis is usually confirmed when an X-ray shows significant inflammation of the sacroiliac joints (sacroiliitis).

Management

Following is the management:

  • Regular use of prescribed medicines
  • Light exercise

Note that not all patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis are required to have the same treatment and management; they may vary depending on the patient’s symptoms and their severity. Please consult your doctor for further information.

When to consult a doctor?

Early diagnosis can lead to effective and successful treatment. If your symptoms do not improve within 10 days, or you experience any of the following, please see a doctor:

  • Lower back pain
  • Buttock pain
  • Worsening of pain during mornings
  • Awakening during the night due to severe pain
  • Improving pain only with exercise
  • Worsening of pain after long periods of rest
  • Painful, red eyes

 

Available Medicine for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Kenacomb Cream 20G

Rs.291.93

GlaxoSmithKline

Xecomb

Rs.87.02

Sante

Contigen 1mg / 1mg / 10mg

Rs.46

Paramount

Nasacort AQ 55 mcg

Rs.1053

Sanofi

Kenalog Orabase

Rs.134.85

GlaxoSmithKline

K-Kort 40MG

Rs.93.3

Ophth Pharma

Triton 40mg

Rs.105.6

Mass-PH Health

Cosentyx 150mg

Rs.59467

Novartis