Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints and tendons, especially in the knees, ankles and feet, which occurs about 1 to 4 weeks after a urinary or intestinal infection by Chlamydia sp ., Salmonella sp . or Shigella sp ., for example. This disease, in addition to being characterized by inflammation of the joints, can also involve the eyes and urogenital system, resulting in symptoms.
This disease is more common in young men, between the ages of 20 and 40, and is not contagious, but as it happens as a result of an infection, Chlamydia can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. However, not always that the person has contact with the related bacteria, the disease develops.
The treatment for Reiter's Syndrome should be done according to the doctor's guidance and, although there is no cure, it has control and ways to relieve the symptoms, it is important to have physiotherapy sessions during the treatment.
Symptoms of Reiter's Syndrome
The symptoms of Reiter's Syndrome are mainly joint pain and inflammation, but other symptoms include:
- Exit of pus from the genital organ; Pain when urinating; Conjunctivitis; Appearance of sores that do not cause pain in the mouth, tongue or genital organ; Skin lesions on the soles of the feet and palms of the hands; Presence of yellow dirt under the fingernails and of the feet.
Symptoms of Reiter's Syndrome appear about 7 to 14 days after an infection and can disappear after 3 or 4 months, however, they often recur after a few weeks. The diagnosis of Reiter's Syndrome can be made through the evaluation of the symptoms presented by the patient, blood test, gynecological exam or biopsy. Learn how to identify the symptoms and how is the diagnosis of Reiter's Syndrome.
How is the treatment
Treatment for Reiter's Syndrome should be guided by a rheumatologist, but usually, treatment is done with antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin or Ciprofloxacin, to treat the infection, if it is still active, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the symptoms of inflammation.
In addition, physical therapy is also recommended to recover the movements of inflamed joints and reduce pain. In the most severe cases, it may still be necessary to use immunosuppressive drugs, such as Methotrexate and Ciclosporin, to reduce the inflammatory process of the joints.
