Ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic inflammatory disorder which is chronic and accompanied by lesions of the spine and sacroiliac joint.
The disease can also disrupt the work of the various organs – heart, kidneys, lungs etc. generally, the disease is diagnosed in young men aged up to 40 years.
Currently significant causes of the development of the disease is unknown. However, in most cases his appearance due to the presence of a specific gene – HLA-B27. According to research scientists, 9 of 10 patients with this diagnosis are carriers of the antigen. It should be noted that not all people with this gene will subsequently become ill.
What is the antigen of the disease is inherited
However, you need to understand that the presence of this gene increases the risk of developing the disease. While ankylosing spondylitis can develop under the influence of environmental factors. However, to fully their role in this process has not been proven.
Scientific studies confirm the fact that the gene HLA-B27 is inherited. If the closest relatives – parents, brothers or sisters have this disease, the chances of Contracting them increase 3 times.
Scientists managed to prove that there are other genes associated with the disease. These are ARTS1 and IL23R. They have an impact on the immune system.
What factors increase the risk of disease transmission by inheritance
It is believed that is inherited not the disease itself, and the tendency to its development. Many experts say that this process may be associated with exposure to certain factors. Most often pathology develops when a weakened immunity.
The inflammatory process begins at the junction of the Ilium with the sacral division. After that he strikes other joints.
The presence of the antigen HLA-B27 in the body leads to increased susceptibility of the tissues of the joints to infectious lesions. Antigen negative impact on the joints – the immune system will recognize the tissue as a microbe. Therefore he wants to destroy them.
The body tries to compensate for the destruction of cartilage, however, to completely fix this process is not possible. The result is produced by bone tissue, which leads to the ossification of the spine and fusing of joints with each other.
However, even if the presence of hazardous antigen in the body of the disease may not develop. In this process an important role is played by additional factors.
Provoke the appearance of the disease may be the following:
- stressful situation;
- catarrhal diseases;
- depression;
- infection of the genitourinary system.
Do I need to diagnose if the relatives of the child have ankylosing spondylitis
If the immediate family include ankylosing spondylitis, special attention should be given to conducting a diagnostic quality. Early detection of disease and adequate treatment allow to slow down the destructive process.
To diagnose the disease helps overall inspection and analysis of the clinical picture. Also the person is prescribed consultation with a neurologist and an orthopedist. To make an accurate diagnosis, is shown holding a computer and magnetic resonance tomography. High diagnostic value has x-ray and a blood test to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
It is important that the differential diagnosis because ankylosing spondylitis can be easily confused with spondylosis and degenerative disc disease. It is also necessary to exclude the presence of rheumatoid arthritis.
Massage therapy for ankylosing spondylitis
For the prevention and treatment of diseases of the JOINTS our constant reader uses the increasingly popular NON-surgical method of treatment is recommended by leading German and Israeli orthopedists. Thoroughly acquainted with him, we decided to offer it to your attention.
How to prevent the disease in children of risk groups
Unfortunately, no effective preventive measures today does not exist. If the disease is still inherited, you need to deal with prevention of its development.
It is necessary to maintain maximum motor activity of the joints:
- each day perform therapeutic exercises;
- to perform massage;
- activities swimming;
- to abandon the physical activity that adversely affect the condition of the spine and joints;
- for sleeping you need to choose a flat hard bed and small pillow;
- the workplace should be arranged so as not to have to slouch;
- doctors do not advise to use corsets, as they weaken the muscular frame spine.
What to do if the disease is inherited
Existing methods of treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is aimed at preventing or slowing the progression of the disease. For the relief of pain and feeling of stiffness use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
To stop the progression of the disease, prescribe the following categories of medicines:
- sulfasalazine;
- corticosteroid hormones are injected directly into the joint with prolonged inflammation;
- the cytostatics.
Can also be used a new genetically engineered drugs that affect the immune processes in the body. They are usually discharged with the rapid progression of the disease, the high activity of the inflammatory process or damage internal organs. There are studies that prove the fact that these drugs can slow down the speed of development of disease.
Ankylosing spondylitis – this is a very serious disease that significantly reduces quality of life. The tendency to develop the disease is inherited, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to minimize the probability of occurrence of its symptoms. Because physicians are advised to exercise, eat right, eliminate bad habits.
