Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory process in the joints that occurs several weeks later as a result of a reaction to a bacterial infection that occurs in the reproductive, digestive or excretory systems.
Most often, this disease affects people aged 20 to 40 years, mostly men. Most often, reactive arthritis occurs as a result of a disease of chlamydia or gonorrhea, as well as a result of food poisoning caused by the action of bacteria dangerous to humans, which can be found in foods. There is also a genetic predisposition to reactive arthritis.
Symptoms and diagnosis of reactive arthritis
The main symptoms are pain and severe swelling in the knee or elbow joints, as well as in the fingers. In the event that the cause of reactive arthritis is an infection of the genitourinary system, then this is characterized by inflammation of the corresponding organs and constant urge to urinate. There is a prolonged stiffness in the joints, while all the lesions are asymmetrical. In addition, the patient may also suffer from conjunctivitis. Most often ankles and knees are affected. The diagnosis of reactive arthritis is most often made by excluding other diseases, and a blood and urine test must be taken to confirm the diagnosis. Symptoms of reactive arthritis can occur over a period ranging from 3 months to a year, in rare cases, they can resume again.
Reactive Arthritis - Adult Treatment
It is impossible to cure reactive arthritis without resolving the problem of the infection that caused it. Therefore, the patient is simultaneously prescribed dual therapy. Antibacterial drugs are prescribed to treat an infectious disease, according to need, drugs called Ketonal, Wobenzym, and Phloenzim are usually prescribed for the direct treatment of arthritis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also used. With especially severe joint damage, injections of glucocorticosteroids can be prescribed.
Reactive Arthritis - Treating Children
Most often, children weakened by an infection can be affected by reactive arthritis of the knee joint. Arthritis is most often caused by acute respiratory infections, as well as chlamydia infection from adult carriers and animals. Also, intestinal infections may be the cause. Arthritis in children is characterized by the same symptoms as in adults, but the consequences for the child's body can be much more serious. The doctor prescribes special antibiotics from a number of penicillins for the period of exacerbation, and then prescribes a special course of physiotherapy exercises. As a prophylaxis, it is recommended to limit the child's contacts with patients, as well as careful monitoring of the course of transferred infectious diseases. A child cured of reactive arthritis must be very carefully protected from infections, as the disease can return. If the doctor found reactive arthritis in children, the treatment should be complete. It is unacceptable to skip any of the steps prescribed by the doctor.
Reactive arthritis - treatment with folk remedies
In some cases, the patient should not be prescribed strong antibiotics, therefore, in this situation, you can take "on arms" folk remedies. As a rule, these are applications, ointments and compresses with active natural substances that are applied to damaged joints. The main ones are animal fat or vodka, and the active components are honey, fruits and dried leaves of various plants. If the doctor makes a diagnosis of "reactive arthritis" - treatment with folk remedies should first be agreed with him.