Causes
With proper treatment, most people with reactive arthritis recover fully and can resume normal activities a few months after initial symptoms. However, arthritis symptoms may last up to a year, but they are usually mild and do not interfere with daily life. Some people with reactive arthritis will have long-term, but mild, arthritis.
Symptoms
What Is the Outlook For People With Reactive Arthritis? The prognosis for reactive arthritis varies. Most people recover in three to four months, but about half have recurrences for several years.
Prevention
Can reactive arthritis be prevented or avoided? You can’t always avoid reactive arthritis. However, there are things you can do to lower your risk. For example, practice safe sex. Get tested and treated for STIs. You also can reduce your chance of food poisoning by: Cooking meat fully; Washing utensils and surfaces well
Complications
Illness or infection is one cause of arthritis. In most cases, an illness or infection occurs in the synovial fluid and tissues of the joint. Viruses, bacteria or fungi are all responsible for infection in these parts of the body. It’s possible for fungi, viruses, and bacteria to move through the bloodstream and finally infect the joints.
What is the prognosis for reactive arthritis?
What is the outlook for people with reactive arthritis?
How can reactive arthritis be prevented?
What are the main causes of arthritis?
See more
Why do you get reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is a condition that causes redness and swelling (inflammation) in various joints in the body, especially the knees, feet, toes, hips and ankles. It usually develops after you've had an infection, particularly a sexually transmitted infection or food poisoning.
What bacteria can cause reactive arthritis?
The five bacterial infections most commonly associated with reactive arthritis are Chlamydia, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter. These bacteria usually cause gastrointestinal or genitourinary infections.
Can reactive arthritis be caused by stress?
The longer you're exposed to stress, the more destructive the inflammation can become. In a PLoS One study, people with RA identified stress as a trigger for disease flare-ups. Arthritis symptoms contribute to stress, especially when they're unrelenting. Constant pain, fatigue, and poor sleep create a vicious cycle.
How long does it take to get rid of reactive arthritis?
There's no cure for reactive arthritis, but the condition is usually temporary and treatment can help to relieve your symptoms. Most people will make a full recovery in about six months, although around one in five cases lasts a year or more, and a small number of people experience long-term joint problems.
Can Covid trigger reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis may occur after COVID-19. Clinical and laboratory presentation of reactive arthritis triggered by COVID-19 resembles reactive arthritis due to other pathogens. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and prednisolone have successfully been used for treatment.
Does reactive arthritis show in blood tests?
HLA-B27. This blood test looks for the presence of HLA-B27, a genetic risk factor for reactive arthritis. Having this marker is consistent with having reactive arthritis, but it is not definitive—people who test negative can still have reactive arthritis, and not everyone who tests positive has the condition.
Which individual is most likely to develop a form of reactive arthritis?
The condition occurs worldwide, predominantly affects young adults in the 20–40 age group, and affects men more so than women (ratio 3:1). The risk of developing reactive arthritis is about 50 times greater in those people who are HLA B27 positive. The incidence in Europe is estimated at 30/100 000.
What type of arthritis comes on suddenly?
Palindromic rheumatism is a rare condition where symptoms like those of rheumatoid arthritis – joint inflammation, pain and swelling – come on suddenly and then disappear just as quickly.
Can reactive arthritis be seen on xray?
X-rays of your low back, pelvis and joints can indicate whether you have any of the characteristic signs of reactive arthritis. X-rays can also rule out other types of arthritis.
Does exercise help reactive arthritis?
Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness It increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and helps combat fatigue. Of course, when stiff and painful joints are already bogging you down, the thought of walking around the block or swimming a few laps might seem overwhelming.
Is reactive arthritis a disability?
In patients who suffer from chronic Reactive Arthritis, long-term disability (LTD) benefits may be available under the Social Security program (SSDI) or from an employer-based group plan (ERISA).
Can E coli cause reactive arthritis?
In our study, reactive arthritis caused by E. coli is leading ahead of other causes. In this regard our study corresponds with the study of Linz JA (14).
Can H pylori cause reactive arthritis?
Four cases of reactive arthritis (ReA) related to Helicobacter pylori (HP) are presented. These were identified by IgG, IgM and IgA ELISA tests performed on sera obtained from a 2-year prospective study on 186 patients with a clinical picture suggesting ReA as a possible diagnosis.
Can a tooth infection cause reactive arthritis?
Bacteria from dental infections may create an immune response in the body that may lead to the development of certain conditions that cause joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Can you get reactive arthritis from a UTI?
Typically, reactive arthritis is triggered either by bacteria causing a urinary tract infection or an STD, such as chlamydia, or by bacteria causing gastroenteritis, which is also known as food poisoning – such as campylobacter.
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs because of an infection. Arthritis is when joints become inflamed and painful. Reactive arthritis is not contagious. It was formerly known as Reiter's syndrome. It affects men more often than women. It develops most often between ages 20 and 50.
How is reactive arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be difficult. This is because there are no specific tests that can confirm the condition. Some blood tests may be done to rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Other tests may include:
When should I call my healthcare provider?
If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know.
What is the name of the inflammation of the inner eye?
Inflamed mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and eyelid (conjunctivitis) Inflammation of the inner eye (uveitis) The symptoms of reactive arthritis can be like other health conditions. Make sure to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How long does reactive arthritis last?
It can also cause urinary tract symptoms and eye infection (conjunctivitis). Symptoms can last from 3 to 12 months.
How long does it take for arthritis to go away?
The main symptoms of reactive arthritis will often go away in a few months. Some people may have mild arthritis symptoms for up to a year. Others may develop mild, long-term arthritis. Up to half of people will have a flare-up of reactive arthritis in the future.
What is the term for inflammation of the lower back joints?
Inflammation of the lower back joints (sacroiliitis)
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that affects the joints, eyes, and urinary tract (bladder, vagina, urethra). It occurs when bacteria enters the blood stream and causes your body to react with inflammation in different parts ...
Why is reactive arthritis so difficult to diagnose?
Reactive arthritis can be difficult to diagnose because there is no specific laboratory test to confirm a person has it. The patient may be referred to a rheumatologist, depending on the severity of symptoms. Physical Examination. The doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms and current medical problems.
What kind of doctor treats reactive arthritis?
Since reactive arthritis may affect different parts of the body, more than one doctor may be involved in your care. A rheumatologist (a doctor with specialized training in arthritis treatment) will likely be the primary doctor. Other specialists may include:
What is the name of the inflammation in the inner eye?
These symptoms can be signs of inflammation of the eyeball and eyelid (conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye”) or the inner eye (uveitis).
How long does it take for arthritis to start?
The inflammatory reaction typically begins within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Reactive arthritis is not contagious, but the bacteria that triggers the disease can pass from person to person. Men age 40 and younger are most commonly affected.
What is the gene that makes a person more likely to get reactive arthritis?
However, researchers have identified a gene, called human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B27 , that makes a person more likely to get reactive arthritis. Not everyone who inherits this gene will get the disease. Symptoms.
What does a doctor look for in a joint X-ray?
The doctor may order views of the joints, pelvis and spine to look for signs of swelling, joint damage, calcium deposits and other signs of reactive arthritis.
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is pain or swelling in a joint that is caused by an infection in your body. You may also have red, swollen eyes and a swollen urinary tract. These symptoms may occur alone, together, or not at all.
How long does reactive arthritis last?
They can come and go over a period of weeks or months. In a few people, symptoms can turn into a long-term disease. Symptoms of reactive arthritis can include: Joint swelling and pain. Inflammation of the urinary and genital tract. Redness and swelling of the eyes. Mouth sores and skin rashes.
How long does it take for arthritis to heal?
Most people with reactive arthritis recover fully from the first flare of symptoms and can return to regular activities 2 to 6 months later. Some people will have long-term, mild arthritis. A few patients will have long-term, severe arthritis that is difficult to control with treatment and may cause joint damage.
What is the specialty of a rheumatologist?
Rheumatologists, who specialize in arthritis and other diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles. Your rheumatologist will also coordinate care between your different doctors.
What doctor treats genital pain?
Urologists or gynecologists, who treat genital symptoms. Dermatologists, who treat skin symptoms. Orthopaedists, who perform surgery on severely damaged joints. Physiatrists, who help with exercise programs. Living with It. Living with reactive arthritis. Exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness.
How to reduce joint pain and stiffness?
Exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness. It can also help you lose weight to reduce stress on joints. You should speak to your doctor about a safe, well-rounded exercise program.
Why do we need antibiotics?
Antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection that triggered the disease.
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis causes you to have extremely painful, swollen joints and can make you feel very tired. It can affect your joints after you’ve had an infection somewhere else in your body, such as a tummy bug, diarrhoea (die-a-ree-ah), or a throat infection.
What is the name of the joint that is affected by reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis can also affect other joints, such as your fingers, wrists, elbows and the joints at the base of your spine, known as the sacroiliac joints (sac-row-il-i-ak). It can also cause inflammation in the tendons around your joints, such as the Achilles tendon (a-kill-eez) which runs down the back of your ankle.
Why is reactive arthritis important?
It’s important to recognise when you’re tired and need to rest, but it’s also important to keep up some level of activity.
How long does reactive arthritis last?
Unlike other types of inflammatory arthritis, for many people reactive arthritis lasts a relatively short amount of time - usually around three months to a year. However, some people find it lasts longer and can have random flare-ups years after they first get it.
How to help arthritis pain?
Rest and exercise. When your joints are inflamed and painful, you can feel tired and generally unwell. Fatigue plays a major role in reactive arthritis and can have a huge impact on all aspects of your life. It’s important that you and people around you recognise this.
What causes a throat infection?
a throat infection - usually caused by a streptococcus bacteria (strep-toe-cok-us). glandular fever. The infection that causes reactive arthritis can be so mild that you may not feel unwell, until you’re aware of the pain in your joints.
Why does arthritis cause inflammation?
One theory is that once your immune system has dealt with the infection, fragments of bacteria travel through your bloodstream and collect in the lining of your joints. Your immune system then reacts by causing joint inflammation.
What test can determine if you have reactive arthritis?
A blood test can also determine if you carry the HLA B27 gene that increases your likelihood of developing reactive arthritis. Your doctor may run additional tests to rule out sexually transmitted infections if your symptoms indicate a chlamydia infection. Your doctor will swab the urethra in men and will perform a pelvic exam ...
What is the difference between cervix and prostatitis?
Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland. Cervicitis is the inflammation of the cervix in females. It can also be a sign of reactive arthritis.
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that an infection in the body can trigger. Most commonly, a sexually transmitted infection or bacterial infection in the intestines triggers development of reactive arthritis. It’s considered to be an autoimmune disease of the spondyloarthritis group. The arthritis often doesn’t develop until after ...
What is the most common cause of reactive arthritis?
Bacterial infection of the urinary tract or intestines is the most common cause of reactive arthritis. The most common bacterium associated with reactive arthritis is Chlamydia trachomatis (which is responsible for chlamydia infections ). This bacterium usually spreads through sexual contact.
What is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body?
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside of your body. Urethritis is the inflammation of this tube. Symptoms can include pain or burning with urination and a frequent urge to urinate. Men may develop prostatitis as part of reactive arthritis. Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland.
How long does it take to recover from reactive arthritis?
The outlook for people with reactive arthritis is positive. Most make a full recovery. However, recovery time can range from a few months to almost a year in some cases. According to NIAMS, between 15 and 50 percent of people with reactive arthritis experience a relapse of symptoms after initial treatment. Last medically reviewed on January 21, ...
How old is the average person with reactive arthritis?
The average age of onset is 30 years old. Men also tend to experience more severe joint pain ...
What Causes Reactive Arthritis?
The cause of reactive arthritis is still unknown, but research suggests the disease is caused, in part, by a genetic predisposition: Approximately 75% of those with the condition have a positive blood test for the genetic marker HLA-B27.
How Is Reactive Arthritis Diagnosed?
A doctor may diagnose reactive arthritis when the patient's arthritis occurs together with or shortly following inflammation of the eye and the urinary tract and lasts a month or longer.
What Is the Outlook For People With Reactive Arthritis?
The prognosis for reactive arthritis varies. Most people recover in three to four months, but about half have recurrences for several years. Some people develop complications that may include inflammation of the heart muscle, inflammation with stiffening of the spine, glaucoma, progressive blindness, feet abnormalities, or accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
How long does reactive arthritis last?
A doctor may diagnose reactive arthritis when the patient's arthritis occurs together with or shortly following inflammation of the eye and the urinary tract and lasts a month or longer .
What is the best treatment for chlamydia?
Bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, will need to be treated with antibiotics. Joint inflammation from reactive arthritis is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Skin eruptions and eye inflammation can be treated with steroids.
Can X-rays show osteoporosis?
On an X-ray, joints that have been repeatedly inflamed may show areas of bone loss, signs of osteoporosis, or bony spur s. Joints in the back and pelvis ( sacroiliac joints) may show abnormalities and damage from reactive arthritis.
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs because of an infection. Arthritis is when joints become inflamed and painful. Reactive arthritis is not contagious. It affects men more often than women. It develops most often between ages 20 and 50.
How is reactive arthritis treated?
Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is . Treatment may also include:
What are possible complications of reactive arthritis?
The main symptoms of reactive arthritis will often go away in a few months. Some people may have mild arthritis symptoms for up to a year. Others may develop mild, long-term arthritis. Up to half of people will have a flare-up of reactive arthritis in the future. In rare cases, the condition may lead to chronic, severe arthritis. This can lead to joint damage.
When should I call my healthcare provider?
If your symptoms get worse or you have new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know.
What is the name of the inflammation of the inner eye?
Inflamed mucous membrane that covers the eyeball and eyelid (conjunctivitis) Inflammation of the inner eye (uveitis) The symptoms of reactive arthritis can be like other health conditions. Make sure to see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
Symptoms. Arthritis symptoms. Joint pain and inflammation that often affect the knees, feet, and ankles. Inflammation of a tendon that is attached to bone. This may cause heel pain or shortening and thickening of the fingers.
What causes reactive arthritis in the bowel?
Other infections that can cause reactive arthritis to infect the bowel. One cause is salmonella. This infection can come from eating food or handling objects that have the bacteria. Reactive arthritis may also be linked to genes. People with reactive arthritis often have the HLA-B27 gene.
What causes reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is known to be triggered by a bacterial infection, particularly of the genitourinary (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Mycoplasma hominis, and Ureaplasma urealyticum) or gastrointestinal (GI) tract (Salmonella enteritidis, Shigella flexneri, and S. disenteriae, Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter jejuni, Clostridium difficile). The incidence is about 2% to 4% after a urogenital infection, mainly with Chlamydia trachomatis,and varies from 0% to 15% after gastrointestinal infections with Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, or Yersinia. This might be affected by the epidemiological, environmental factors, the pathogenicity of the bacteria, and differences in the study designs. The enteric ReA occurs commonly following enteric infections. However, chlamydia associated ReA is endemic, especially in developed countries. [4][5]
How long does it take for urethritis to show symptoms?
Either enteritis or urethritis symptoms preceding the onset of arthritis by a time interval of 3 days to 6 weeks
How long does it take for arthritis to resolve?
Reactive arthritis usually has a self-limited course, and the symptoms resolve within 3 to 5 months. Symptoms lasting beyond 6 months indicate a chronic element of the disease. Sacroiliitis is the most common chronic joint involvement. Patients who are HLA-B27 positive have a higher risk of recurrence of ReA. 15-30% of patients with ReA can develop long-term arthritis or other joint abnormalities. The presence of hip involvement, unresponsiveness to NSAIDs, and ESR greater than 30 portend a worse outcome.
How many people with nonspecific urethritis develop arthritis?
About 1-3% of patients with nonspecific urethritis will develop an episode of arthritis. Overall, higher disease activity and worse functional capacity are seen in the lower socioeconomic populations.
What is the best treatment for reactive arthritis?
The goal of therapy in reactive arthritis is to provide symptomatic relief and prevent chronic complications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the initial treatment of choice in the acute phase. Intra-articular or local glucocorticoids, as in cases of enthesitis or bursitis, can be used if the patient has mono/oligoarthritis. Mechanical devices like orthotics and insoles can be useful. Systemic use of glucocorticoids is limited to severe polyarthritis, cardiac and ocular manifestations. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), mainly sulphasalazine, are effective in both acute and chronic ReA. Other agents such as methotrexate and azathioprine have shown to be useful in chronic arthritis. They are indicated in patients who have failed Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy. Biologicals such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocking agents (e.g., infliximab and etanercept have been suggested in the treatment of reactive arthritis. However, further studies are needed to determine their definitive indications. [18][19][20]
What is the prevalence of HLA-B27?
The prevalence of HLA-B27 in reactive arthritis is estimated at 30% to 50% in patients with reactive arthritis, although values range widely. In hospital-based studies with more severely affected patients, frequencies as high as 60% to 80% have been reported. HLA-B27 should not be used as a diagnostic tool for a diagnosis of acute ReA. The presence of HLA-B27 is believed to potentiate reactive arthritis by presenting bacterial antigens to T cells, altering self-tolerance of the host immune system, increased TNF-alpha production, promoting the invasion of microbes in the gut, and delayed clearance of causative organisms. [8]
What is the most common joint in oligo-arthritis?
Patients typically present with acute onset oligo-arthritis, mainly involving the lower extremities, sacroiliac joint , and the lumbar spine. Not more than 6 large joints are affected at a time, and the knee and ankle are the most commonly affected. Joint pain is classically nocturnal with early morning stiffness. Involvement is asymmetric and affects the weight-bearing joint. The joints are often warm, painful, and swollen. Tendinitis is a common feature of the disease. About 30% of patients suffer from associated enthesitis in the form of plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. [10]
