Reiter 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 with Chlamydia sp., Salmonella sp..or Shigella sp., for example. This disease, in addition to being characterized by inflammation of the joints, can also affect the eyes and the urogenital system, causing symptoms.
This disease is more common in young men, between 20 and 40 years of age, and is not contagious, but as a result of an infection, chlamydia can be transmitted through unprotected sexual contact.However, not every time the person comes into contact with related bacteria, the disease develops.
- Reiter syndrome should be treated with the doctor’s advice and.
- Although there is no cure.
- There is control and means to relieve symptoms.
- And it is important to perform physiotherapy sessions during treatment.
Symptoms of Reiter syndrome are mainly joint pain and inflammation, but other symptoms include:
Symptoms of Reiter’s syndrome appear about 7 to 14 days after infection and may disappear within 3 to 4 months, however, it is common for them to reappear after a few weeks. Reiter’s syndrome can be diagnosed by evaluating the patient’s symptoms, doing a blood test, taking a gynecological exam, or taking a biopsy. Learn how to identify symptoms and how Reiter syndrome is diagnosed.
Treatment of Reiter’s syndrome should be guided by a rheumatologist, but generally, 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 symptoms of inflammation.
In addition, physical therapy is also recommended to recover the movements of swollen joints and reduce pain.In the most severe cases, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, such as methotrexate and cyclosporine, may still be necessary to reduce the inflammatory process of the joints.