Reactive arthritis - causes and signs of reactive arthritis

Depending on the etiology of the disease, the following types of reactive arthritis are distinguished in medical practice:

• viral arthritis - today more than three dozen viruses are known that can cause the development of reactive arthritis. These include rubella virus, hepatitis B, various types of herpes, enteroviruses and others;
• post-streptococcal arthritis - develops most often against the background of nasopharyngeal infections of streptococcal origin;

• septic arthritis - caused mainly by staphylococcal infection;
• tuberculous arthritis - a frequent manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis;
• gonococcal arthritis - develops against the background of asymptomatic gonorrhea or gonococcal infection of the rectum and pharynx;
• Lyme disease - a type of reactive arthritis caused by spirochetes.

Generally, reactive arthritis can be divided into postenterocolytic, caused by gastrointestinal infections (dysentery bacillus, salmonella, clostridia, etc.) and urogenital, arising from diseases of the genitourinary system (chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, etc.).

Causes

The most likely causes of reactive arthritis include sexually transmitted infections, as well as infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, the disease also occurs as a primary aseptic. The exact reasons for this have not yet been clarified, but scientists believe that some viruses have cells identical to the cells of human joints. As a result, the immune system begins to attack joint cells, trying to protect the body from infection.

The HLA-B27 gene can also contribute to the development of reactive arthritis. This means that almost any person who has not had infectious diseases but has this gene in their body can get sick.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of the disease can be the following:

• a slight increase in body temperature;
• general malaise associated with lethargy, weakness of the body, lack of appetite and weight loss;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• pain in the muscles and joints, upper legs, lower back;
• inflammation of the ankle, hip, knee joint, big toe joint, wrist joint, pelvic bone joint;
• as the disease progresses, the inflammatory process spreads to the tendons and soft tissues.

Reactive arthritis can affect not only joints, but also other organs and systems of the body. Common manifestations of the disease are:

• the occurrence of eye diseases (conjunctivitis, uveitis, iridocyclitis);
• ulcerative and erosive lesions of the skin and mucous membranes;
• damage to the cardiovascular system.

In most cases, the first signs of reactive arthritis appear approximately three weeks after the infection.

Diagnostics

Diagnostics of reactive arthritis is based on the results of the following studies:

• general blood and urine tests;
• biochemical blood test;
• tests for viral hepatitis;
• bacteriological, molecular biological and immunological research methods aimed at identifying the main diseases that could cause reactive arthritis.

Treatment

Reactive arthritis is treated by a rheumatologist conservatively with medications. If an infectious process is detected, the doctor prescribes antibiotics. If it is a sexually transmitted infection, then both partners must undergo treatment.

To eliminate the symptoms of reactive arthritis (pain and swelling of the joints), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. If the disease is characterized by a persistent course, intravenous injections of glucocorticoids may be prescribed. It may also be necessary to take immunosuppressants - drugs that suppress the immune system.

Prevention

Prevention of reactive arthritis consists, first of all, in preventing sexually transmitted and intestinal infections. You can reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections by leading an orderly sex life and using condoms during sexual intercourse. It is also very important to monitor your diet, eating only fresh and properly processed foods. In the event of a disease that can lead to the development of reactive arthritis, you must consult a doctor as soon as possible for diagnosis and proper treatment.