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Ankylosing spondylitis – What are its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options

A rare form of arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis is a condition that is often identified by stiffness and pain in the spine. Also known as Bechterew’s disease, the condition starts in the lower back. It can progress to the neck and go on to damage various other joints in the body. While ankylosis is a term used for fused bones, spondylitis refers to inflammation in the vertebrae or the spinal bones. In the most severe cases of the condition, the spine can become hunched.

Ankylosing spondylitis cannot be cured. But with some medication and physical exercises, the pain can be controlled and the back can be strengthened.

The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

The symptoms caused by the condition can vary from case to case. But commonly, some flare-ups in inflammation are experienced. There are durations when there are no symptoms experienced.

Back pain is among the common symptoms of the condition. It occurs in the morning and at night. Pain in large joints such as shoulders and hips is also a common symptom. Other symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can include the following:

Stiffness that occurs in the morning
Stooping shoulders or other posture-related problems
Appetite loss
Fever that remains low grade
Loss in body weight
Fatigue
Low iron levels in the body or anemia
Problems with the functioning of the lungs.

The condition leads to inflammation. Therefore, it is highly likely to affect other body parts as well. When it does so, the following symptoms can be experienced:

Bowel inflammation
Mild inflammation in the eye
Inflammation in the heart valve
Achilles tendonitis.

There can be several causes of pain in the lower back area. Usually, it will be the result of a trauma caused by a sudden strain to the spine. However, one should be aware that back pain can also be a result of something more severe like ankylosing spondylitis. Therefore, make sure to note all the warning signs that could be pointing towards the condition. Some of the warning signs that one should pay attention to are:

An unexplained lower back pain: If lower back pain is not caused by something severe, it will go away after one takes some rest. However, with ankylosing spondylitis, it is the opposite. The pain worsens when the person wakes up. In most cases of ordinary back pain, exercises might not be recommended. But with ankylosing spondylitis, one might start feeling relieved from the symptoms after some exercise.

Pain in the lower back area is common in the younger population. So, if young adults or teens have been experiencing any problems in the lower back, they must get checked for ankylosing spondylitis. The pain resulting from ankylosing spondylitis will often be felt at the point where the spine and the pelvis meet, which is also known as sacroiliac joints.

A history of ankylosing spondylitis: If there has been a family history of the condition, a person can carry genetic markers that make them prone to ankylosing spondylitis. However, the presence of the gene does not always mean that the person will develop the condition. The reason behind this is yet to be ascertained. But if a person has a family member who has ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis, it can put them at a higher risk of developing the condition.

Unexplained pain affecting the chest, joints, or heels in young people: In some cases of ankylosing spondylitis, people start experiencing stiffness or pain affecting their wrist joints, ankles, heels, or some other joints. In some cases, the rib bones can also be affected. The pain usually occurs at the point where the rib bones meet the spine. When the condition causes pain in the chest, it can cause difficulty breathing.

Pain starts moving slowly toward the spine: Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive disease. Some exercises can be done to get relief from the symptoms. However, the disease worsens with time. The symptoms might not be there all the time, but they never stop occurring completely. The inflammation and pain start from the lower back and move upwards. If the condition is not treated, the vertebrae of the spine bones might fuse into each other and cause the spine to bend forward. This may permanently affect the shape of the spine.

Anti-inflammatory medications can provide relief: In the initial stages, people with ankylosing spondylitis may get relief from the symptoms by taking anti-inflammatory medications. However, these meds do not cure the disease. Once a person is diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, the doctor will prescribe them stronger medications for the condition. These medicines will be focused on certain parts of the immune system. With the help of these medications, the progression of the disease can be slowed down with time.

Causes

The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is yet to be known. If an individual has a family history of the condition, they do face the risk of developing it. So, it is thought that genes might have a role to play in the development of the condition. If a person’s parents or other members in the family suffer from ankylosing spondylitis, researchers suggest that it can put the person at a risk that could be 10 to 20 times higher. Several factors can increase the chances of a person developing ankylosing spondylitis. These include the following:

Family history: Having the HLA-B27 protein present in the body, along with a family history of the condition, can increase the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. In a 2002 study, it was seen that over 90 percent of ankylosing spondylitis patients carried the gene expressing HLA-B27 protein.
Age: The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis often appear in younger adults, which is unlike other bone-related disorders. Adults aged between 20 and 40 years of age experience the symptoms commonly.
Gender: The condition is three times more common in males. However, it affects females also.
Race and ethnicity: Caucasian people are more prone to ankylosing spondylitis than people from other ethnicities.

Complications to look out for

If the condition is not treated, it can lead to some complications. These can include the following:

Chronic inflammation can lead to the fusing of spinal bones or vertebrae
Inflammation can start affecting adjacent joints such as shoulders and hips
Inflammation can affect tendons as well as ligaments, which can cause worsening of the flexibility
Breathing problems
Irritation in the eye
Damage to the heart or the bowel
Fractures in the spine, caused due to compression.

How does ankylosing spondylitis affect the body?

It can spread to other joints as it progresses, but ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine. The inflammation caused by the condition can affect other joints in the body. It can even cause damage to other parts of the body such as the lungs, heart, and eyes. It can affect the body in the following ways:

Effects on the skeletal system: Inflammation caused by the condition mainly affects the spine, especially the lower spine area. One can experience stiffness and pain, which can become worse when one wakes up in the morning or after sitting for a long duration. As the condition progresses, it can lead to the curving of the spine and hence, stooping of the posture. Pain can start moving upwards and start affecting the neck, the upper part of the spine, and even the chest. There is data that also suggests that around 10 percent of ankylosing spondylitis patients suffer from jaw inflammation, which can even affect the process of chewing.

Effects on the nervous system: When the condition becomes severe, it leads to scarring on the nerve bundle, which is situated at the base of the spine. This can cause health issues such as sexual dysfunction and incontinence. The eyes are at the highest risk of getting affected by the condition. Almost one-third of ankylosing spondylitis cases suffer from eye inflammation. This often leads to a condition known as iritis. Here, bright light can be too intense for the eyes and can interfere with the vision. Although rare, blindness can also be a complication. With proper and early treatment, damage to the eyes can be prevented.

Effects on the integumentary system: This is not common, but ankylosing spondylitis can also lead to the development of psoriasis in some cases. Psoriasis is a skin condition that leads to the development of scaly patches and redness on the skin. The patches can be seen anywhere in the body, but usually, they can be seen affecting the elbows, knees, and scalp. In some cases, blisters or lesions can form on the skin. The symptoms usually include stinging, a burning sensation, itching, and tenderness.

Effects on the circulatory system: There can be a lack of red blood cells in the body due to ankylosing spondylitis. This leads to anemia or fatigue. In some rare cases, the ankylosing spondylitis inflammation reaches the point where the heart connects with the aorta, thus leading to enlargement of the aorta. Ankylosing spondylitis patients are also at a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and the ensuing complications, which include heart attack, stroke, and angina.

The ways in which ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed

While conducting a physical exam, the doctor can check a person’s motion range. To do so, he/she might ask the patient to bend from different angles. The doctor might also want to check the points where it pains. For this, they might press various parts of the pelvis or move the patient’s legs to a different angle. To check if the chest area has been affected, the patient might also be asked to take a few deep breaths.

Various tests can be ordered to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. These can include:

Imaging tests: Although in the early stages of the condition there might not be any visible signs of the disease, the doctor can order an X-ray to look for any changes in the bones and joints. MRI can also be ordered.

Lab tests: There are no lab tests specifically designed to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis. But with the help of some blood samples, inflammation markers can be identified in the body. However, the causes of inflammation are many.

Treatment options

The treatment for ankylosing spondylitis focuses on relieving symptoms such as stiffness and pain. It can also be aimed at delaying the progression of the disease. The best results from the treatment can only be achieved if the treatment starts before the condition has done irreparable damage to the joints.

The various treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis include:

Medicines: NSAIDs are the most commonly prescribed medications to manage the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. They can help in getting relief from stiffness and pain caused by the condition. But these medications can have side effects and lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. If NSAIDs don’t show the expected results, the patient might be prescribed biologic medication such as an interleukin-17 inhibitor.

Therapy: One of the important aspects of the treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is physical therapy since it can prove to be extremely beneficial. It can provide relief from pain and even strengthen the patient’s body. In consultation with a physical therapist, the patients can do specific exercises that help them benefit the most. Some exercises are specifically aimed at providing flexibility to the joints and helping the body to stay in the correct posture.

Surgery: In most cases of ankylosing spondylitis, surgery is not required. But if the pain is unbearable and there is severe damage caused to the joints, the doctor might prescribe a surgery. Also, if there is serious damage caused to the hip joint, a surgery can be done to replace the hip.

Lifestyle changes: In addition to these treatments, several lifestyle changes can help an ankylosing spondylitis patient to manage the condition. These include:

Staying physically active
Using heat and cold therapy
Quitting smoking
Practicing good posture.

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An Overview Of Colon Polyps

An overview of colon polyps Colon polyps are small clumps of cells formed on the lining of the colon. The majority of these polyps tend to be harmless, but with time, there are certain polyps that can easily grow into colon cancer. This is a serious condition, especially when found in the later stages. Almost any individual can develop colon polyps. People who are over 50 years of age are at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Even smokers and overweight individuals or people with a family or personal history of colon polyps might be at an increased risk of suffering from this condition. Colon polyps – causes are slightly known, but this condition rarely causes any symptoms. Therefore, for individuals who are at risk of developing the condition, it is important to have screening tests on a regular basis. These will include a colonoscopy. Polyps found in the early stages can conveniently be removed. They can be removed completely in a very safe manner. Regular screening is the best step for the prevention of colon polyps. What are the colon polyps – causes? Doctors do not exactly know the causes of colon polyps, but they are of the view that polyps are a result of abnormal tissue growth. The human body develops healthy cells in a periodic manner, thus replacing the old cells that tend to be damaged or are no longer required. The division and growth of these new cells is regulated. However, there are cases when the new cells develop and then divide before they are actually needed. It is this excessive growth that results in polyps. Packaged red meat is also one of the most common colon polyps – causes. Fiber deficiency in the body. High-fat diet taken in excessive amounts. Smoking cigarettes. Obesity is also one of the major colon polyps – causes. Inherited conditions such as Gardener syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome might also put an individual at an increased risk of having colon polyps. What signs and symptoms do colon polyps show? Majority of the individuals suffering from colon polyps do not show any symptoms. They are actually unaware of the fact that they have polyps, because they feel very well. Bleeding from the rectum is one of the most common symptoms of colon polyps. Blood in the stool can also be a sign of colon polyps. Blood might make stool look black, or there can be red streaks in stool. A feeling of tiredness due to anemia and not having sufficient iron in the body are common symptoms. It is the bleeding from the polyps that can result in an iron deficiency and anemia. Several other health issues might also result in these signs. Nevertheless, if rectum bleeding or blood in the stool are everyday phenomena, a consultation with a doctor is vital. How can colon polyps be prevented? Knowing the colon polyps – causes can help prevent the condition. However, there are other important steps that can be followed in trying to prevent this condition. They are as listed: Regular screenings. Lifestyle changes can also be of help in doing away with the colon polyps – causes, and, consequently, prevent them. Adopting healthy habits such as eating fruits, whole grains, and vegetables and reducing fat intake can help in the prevention of colon polyps. Limiting the intake of alcohol and quitting tobacco. Staying active physically and maintaining a healthy body weight is also important. When should one see a doctor? A general physician must be consulted in case of the following: Blood in the stool Abdominal pain Changes in bowel habits for more than a week It is important for one to have a word with their physician regarding their intake of vitamin D and calcium. This is because studies have proved that increasing the intake of food items rich in vitamin D and calcium can help prevent the recurrence of polyps. However, this is not completely clear. It is important to consider all the options, especially if one is at a very high risk of suffering from colon polyps.

The Types Of Colon Polyps And Their Prevention

The types of colon polyps and their prevention Growths that occur on the inner lining of the colon (large intestine) and usually protrude into the colon are known as colon polyps. They form when the genetic material within the cells that line the colon changes and becomes abnormal. Under normal circumstances, the immature cells that line the colon multiply, mature, and then die in a timely fashion. On the other hand, the genetic changes in the lining cells prevent the cells from maturing, and they don’t die. Resultantly, immature and genetically abnormal cells start accumulating in the colon, eventually resulting in the formation of polyps. This article intends to raise awareness about colon polyps, its types, symptoms, diagnosis, the colon polyps – causes, and more. What are the types of colon polyps? Inflammatory colon polyps : Also known as false polyps, it is mostly found in people who have inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. These polyps are inflammatory manifestations of IBD, are benign, and are unlikely to become cancerous. Adenomatous colon polyps : Also known as adenomas, this type of colon polyps make up about 70% of all polyps found in the colon. They can become cancerous, but the process takes years. Hyperplastic colon polyps : The term hyperplasia means fast growth, which indicates an abnormal increase in the number of cells resulting in the gross enlargement of the colon polyp. Despite the rapid growth, hyperplastic polyps have a low risk of turning cancerous. Villous adenoma : This type of colon polyp has a greater potential of becoming cancerous. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of villous adenomas develop into a malignancy. These polyps require surgery for the removal of their cauliflower-like protrusions. What are the causes of colon polyps? Experts are not sure about the colon polyps – causes. However, the causes are believed to be a mix of environmental and genetic factors that result in an abnormal tissue growth. What are the known risk factors of colon polyps? Age : The risk of developing colon polyps tends to increase with age. Family history : A close relative with colon cancer or polyps raises the risk. Sex : Men have a slightly higher chance of developing polyps. Race : Black men and women have a higher risk. Alcohol : Alcohol consumption is closely linked to colon cancer risk and is known as one of the colon polyps – causes. Red meat : If not had in moderation, red meat can serve as one of the colon polyps – causes. Having too much red meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer as well. Lack of dietary fiber : A good intake of fiber has many benefits, including colon benefits. It decreases the risk of colon cancer. Smoking : Smoking increases the risk of all types of cancers, and colon polyps or cancer is no exception. Obesity : Obese people are at higher risk of developing colon polyps and cancer. How are colonic polyps diagnosed? The following tests help diagnose colon polyps: Colonoscopy Sigmoidoscopy Barium enema CT colonography Stool test What are the symptoms of colon polyps? Change in stool color Rectal bleeding Iron deficiency Anemia Change in bowel habits Abdominal pain Blood in the stool Fatigue How common are colon polyps? They are very common. They increase in prevalence as people age. If one has colon polyps, they are more likely to develop polyps elsewhere in the colon later. Only a small proportion of polyps cause symptoms or signs, which usually are the result of bleeding from the polyp. How can colon polyps be prevented? Adopt healthy habits : Adopt healthy habits and increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit fat intake, alcohol consumption, and quit tobacco. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid all the estimated colon polyps – causes. Seek advice if at high risk : If there’s a family history of colon polyps or its other risk factors affect one, seeking prompt medical advice and counseling is important. With regular colonoscopies, one can prevent the colon polyps – causes from developing, and hence preventing the colon from developing.

Carcinoid Neuroendocrine Tumors – Prognosis And Life Expectancy

Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors – Prognosis and life expectancy The neuroendocrine system is a complex regulatory mechanism comprised of cells spread throughout several organ systems, including our lungs and digestive system. As they have characteristics of both nerves and endocrine cells, they are called neuroendocrine cells. The nerve cells transmit signals using electrical impulses, whereas endocrine cells make thyroid and insulin-secreting glands. This article intends to discuss the carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor that starts in these cells in detail. What is a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? A carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor starts in the cells of the hormone-producing organs in our body. A carcinoid tumor is a type of neuroendocrine tumor that most commonly arises in the gastrointestinal system, which includes intestines, stomach, and esophagus. Carcinoid tumors account for about 1% to 2% of lung cancers. As carcinoid tumors originate from tissue that produces hormones, the main side effect of the condition is the inappropriate release of various hormones in the bloodstream. Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor can arise in a number of locations categorized into three areas: the foregut, midgut, and hindgut. Lungs and stomach form the foregut area. The midgut comprises of the small intestine, colon, and appendix. The hindgut includes the end of the large bowel, the rectum, and genitourinary tract organs (ovaries and testes). What factors raise a person’s risk of developing a carcinoid tumor? A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 : This hereditary condition increases an individual’s risk of developing tumors in the pituitary gland, pancreas, and parathyroid gland. Age : Age seems to be a major factor that plays an integral role, as children rarely develop carcinoid tumors; the average diagnosis age is 55 to 65 years for this condition. Race and gender : Carcinoid tumors are more common among black people than white people, and black men have a higher risk than black women. White men and women have the same risk levels, and after treatment, women tend to live longer. Other medical conditions : Some medical conditions that damage the stomach and reduce acid production increase the risk of developing a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor. What are the symptoms of a carcinoid tumor? Signs and symptoms of a carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor depend on where the tumor develops: Carcinoid tumors in the lungs : The symptoms of a tumor in the lungs are chest pain, wheezing, diarrhea, shortness of breath, skin flushing (redness and a feeling of warmth on the face and neck), weight gain, particularly around the midsection and back, and pink or purple marks on the skin, which look like stretch marks. Carcinoid tumors in the digestive tract : The symptoms, in this case, are abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, intestinal blockage, causing an inability to pass stool, rectal bleeding and pain, and skin flushing. What are some effective management tips for the symptoms of carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors? Facial flushing : Avoid stress and ask your doctor about specific foods that cause facial flushing so that you can avoid them. Diarrhea : Ask your doctor for anti-diarrheal medication. Wheezing : Ask for medication that relaxes muscles in the lungs to make breathing easier. Heart problems : Discuss your heart issues with your doctor so that they can prescribe diuretics, which lower the blood pressure. Carcinoid syndrome : Use octreotide on prescription, which is the most effective medication to treat carcinoid syndrome. What is the prognosis for carcinoid neuroendocrine tumor? Carcinoid neuroendocrine tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign carcinoid tumors are small and can be removed completely. They don’t come back and don’t spread to other parts of the body. They don’t produce any symptoms as well. Malignant carcinoid tumors are large, and their cells can invade and damage the surrounding tissues and organs. Additionally, malignant cells can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and can even form new tumors in other parts of the body. Lymph nodes, lungs, bone liver, and skin are the common sites for carcinoid metastases. Carcinoid tumors grow slowly in comparison to other cancers, such as lung, colon, pancreas, or liver cancer. Patients with larger malignant carcinoid tumors (with or without metastasis) can survive and have a good quality of life after proper treatment. Adenocarcinoids, a rare form of carcinoid tumors, are more aggressive than the typical malignant carcinoid tumors.

What Are The First Signs Of Liver Damage

Liver damage – What are the first signs? On the right side of the abdomen, below your rib cage, is an organ called the liver. It is the size of a football and is one of the most important organs in the human body. The liver aids in the digestion of the food we eat and also helps in flushing out the toxins from our body. When there is any kind of disturbance in the normal liver functioning, then it can cause a significant damage to the human body. Once you start exhibiting the signs of liver damage, it is important to get the exact diagnosis and take the next steps accordingly. What are the causes of liver damage? There can be a number of causes for liver damage: Liver infection is one of the most common causes of liver damage. Viruses and parasites can cause infections that affect the normal functioning of the liver. Hepatitis is the most common liver infection, which includes Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Some diseases will affect your immune system thereby damaging your liver too. This is called autoimmune hepatitis. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Primary Biliary Cirrhosis are of the same kind. If you have inherited an abnormal gene from any of your parents or family members, it can lead to a build up of various substances in the body and hence can damage the liver. Build up of liver cancer can be a cause. A person who is an alcohol addict is more prone to liver damage. What are the first signs of liver damage? There can be several signs of a liver damage. Here are 10 signs of liver damage that you need to pay attention to: Your eyes and skin turning yellow, which is usually a sign of jaundice. Abdominal swelling and pain are also symptoms of liver damage that you should watch out. Your ankles and legs begin to swell.. Your urine becomes dark yellow in color. There can be many reasons for dark yellow urine, but it can also be a sign of liver damage. Excessively itchy skin is also a symptom of liver damage. Loss of appetite. Getting bruises easily as your liver fails to create proteins needed for blood clotting. Vomiting and nausea for no reason. Blood in the stool or pale stool. Chronic fatigue. How is liver damage diagnosed? In order to get started with the liver damage treatment, it is very important to diagnose the symptoms of liver damage correctly. In order to start the diagnoses, your doctor will start with a physical examination, followed by requesting details of your health history. Liver function tests, which are blood tests will be done at the initial stage. MRI Scan and CT scan kind of image tests are done. Tissue analysis is also done to get an accurate idea of the problem . How is liver damage treated? The treatment for the liver damage depends on the type and severity of damage. Some stages can be treated with just slight modifications to the diet and lifestyle like weight reduction, no smoking or alcohol. Further stages will require medication and severe condition will need a surgery. If your liver has failed completely, then you will have to go for a liver transplant, which is an expensive and time consuming process. How can liver damage be prevented? Certain changes in your lifestyle can prevent liver damage. You need to stop drinking alcohol or only drink a moderate amount to decrease pressure on your liver. Get vaccinated to prevent getting hepatitis infections. When you are spraying insecticides or other aerosol sprays, make sure that you cover your nose and also make sure to protect your skin. You need to maintain a healthy weight as there are chances of fatty liver damage as well. You should take only medicine that is prescribed to you and make sure that you do not take any medicine in excess or without talking to your doctor.