Introduction:
The tenderness and swelling of one or more joints are symptoms of arthritis. Joint pain and stiffness, which typically get worse with age, are the main signs and symptoms of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the two forms of arthritis that are most prevalent. Autoimmune arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect more than joints. In some people, it can damage various body systems, including skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Autoimmune arthritis, an autoimmune disease, occurs when the immune system attacks the body's own tissues mistakenly. Unlike the wear and tear of osteoarthritis, autoimmune arthritis affects the lining of joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Inflammation associated with autoimmune arthritis can also damage other parts of the body. Although newer drugs have dramatically improved treatment options, severe autoimmune arthritis can still be disabling.
What Is Axial Spondyloarthritis?
This is painful, progressive inflammatory arthritis. It primarily affects the spine but can also affect other joints, tendons, and ligaments. Other areas, such as the eyes and intestines, may also be affected.
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Inflammation occurs at the point where a ligament or tendon attaches to the bone. This is called enthese.
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Following inflammation, some bone abrasion occurs at the site of attachment. This is called encesopathy.
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Once the inflammation subsides, healing occurs, and new bone develops. Movement is restricted when the elastic tissue of ligaments and tendons is replaced by bone.
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This repeated inflammatory process causes more bone to form and the individual bones that make up the spine (vertebrae) to fuse together.
What Are the Causes of Axial Spondyloarthritis?
Axial spondyloarthritis is hereditary. Many genes can cause it. Up to 30 of these genes have been found. HLA-B27 (human leukocyte antigen B27) is the main gene associated with this disease. Almost all Caucasians with axial spondyloarthritis are carriers of HLA-B27. People with HLA-B27 are more likely to develop this form of arthritis than those without the gene. HLA-B27 genes provide the instructions for making proteins on the surface of white blood cells. It helps the immune system distinguish between its own cells and harmful pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Activation of defective HLA genes can prevent the immune system from performing this important role adequately.
What Are the Risk Factors for Axial Spondyloarthritis?
The risk factors for axial spondyloarthritis include:
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Family History - Some types of arthritis run in families, so if a person’s parents or siblings have arthritis, then that individual is more likely to develop it.
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Age - The risk of many types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, increases with age.
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Gender - Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, and most people with gout, another type of arthritis, are men.
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Previous Joint Injury - People who have injured a joint, perhaps while playing sports, are more likely to develop arthritis in that joint at some point.
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Obesity - Carrying extra weight puts stress on the joints, especially the knees, hips, and spine. Obese people are at an increased risk of developing arthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of Axial Spondyloarthritis?
The symptoms of axial spondyloarthritis are listed below:
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Low back pain and stiffness develop slowly or gradually over weeks or months rather than hours or days.
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Early morning stiffness and pain are relieved by exercise throughout the day.
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Feeling better after exercise, worse after rest.
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Weight loss, especially in the early stages.
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Fatigue or exhaustion.
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Fever and night sweats.
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Symptoms lasting for more than three months.
How Is Axial Spondyloarthritis Diagnosed?
Axial spondyloarthritis can be diagnosed in the following ways:
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X-Ray - By using low-level radiation for visualizing bone, x-rays can clearly show cartilage loss, bone damage, and osteophytes. X-rays may not show early arthritic damage but are often used to follow disease progression.
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Computed Tomography (CT) Scan - A Computed Tomography scanner takes x-rays from different angles and combines the information to create cross-sections of internal structures. CT scan show both bone and surrounding soft tissue.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - By combining radio waves with strong magnetic fields, MRI can produce more detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
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Ultrasound - This technology uses high-frequency sound waves to map structures, including soft tissue, cartilage, and fluid near the joint (bursa). Ultrasound is also used to guide the placement of needles to remove synovial fluid or inject drugs into joints.
What Is the Treatment of Axial Spondyloarthritis?
The treatment of axial spondyloarthritis focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. Doctors may give several different treatments or combinations of treatments before finding the one that works best.
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Medications - The drugs used to treat arthritis depend on the type of arthritis. Commonly used arthritis drugs include:
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NSAIDs - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Examples include Ibuprofen and Naproxen sodium. Potent NSAIDs can cause stomach irritation and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. NSAIDs are also available in the form of creams or gels that can be rubbed into the joints.
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Counter Stimulant - Some types of creams and ointments contain Menthol and Capsaicin, the ingredients that make hot peppers hot.
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Steroid - Corticosteroid drugs like Prednisone reduce inflammation and pain and slow joint damage. Corticosteroids can be given as tablets or as injections into painful joints. Side effects include bone loss, weight gain, and diabetes.
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Disease-Modifying Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (DMARDs) - These drugs can slow the progression of axial spondyloarthritis and prevent permanent damage to joints and other tissues. In addition to his traditional DMARDs, there are also biologics and targeted synthetic DMARDs. Side effects vary, but most DMARDs increase the risk of infection.
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Physical Therapy - Physical therapy helps some types of arthritis. Exercise improves the range of motion and strengthens the muscles around joints. In a few cases, splints or braces might be required.
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Surgery - The doctors may try to repair the damage in the joints by surgery.
What Are the Complications of Axial Spondyloarthritis?
Severe axial spondyloarthritis, especially when it affects the spine and lower back, can make daily life difficult. Arthritis in the lower back and spine can make it difficult to walk or sit upright. In some cases, joints may gradually lose alignment and shape. Lying down and difficulty in standing up can be a difficult task.
How to Prevent Axial Spondyloarthritis?
The following steps can be taken to prevent axial spondyloarthritis:
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Stay at a healthy weight.
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Control blood sugar levels.
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Exercise.
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Stretch.
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Avoid injury.
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Quit smoking.
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Eat fish twice a week.
Conclusion
Axial spondyloarthritis is a type of autoimmune arthritis. It is also a hereditary condition that may be caused by a person carrying a gene HLA-B27, but environmental factors may also lead to the initiation of this condition. It causes pain and swelling primarily in the spine and the joints that connect the base of the spine to the pelvis (sacroiliac joints). Other joints may also be affected. This is a systemic disease and can affect other parts of the body and organs. The joint pain may affect daily activities, and suitable measures should be taken to prevent this condition from progressing. Although there is no permanent cure for this condition proper physical therapy and medication may improve an individual’s overall quality of life.
