What is Reiter's syndrome

Reiter's syndrome. Many people may not know what this disease is when they hear this term. In fact, it is not difficult to understand, because it is a kind of arthritis, a disease that needs to be taken seriously among young people. It is not terrible in itself, but because we often fail to pay attention to it, and even doctors tend to misdiagnose it, it is very necessary for us to know it and pay attention to it. Let's do some simple understanding together.

Reiter's syndrome is a special clinical type of reactive arthritis with the triad of arthritis, urethritis and conjunctivitis as its clinical features. It often presents as sudden acute arthritis accompanied by unique extra-articular skin and mucosal symptoms. It is currently believed that this disease has two forms: sexually transmitted and dysenteric. The former is mainly seen in young men aged 20 to 40, and in most cases the genitals are infected with Chlamydia trachomatis. Reiter syndrome is uncommon in women, children, and the elderly; they usually acquire dysentery after an intestinal bacterial infection, primarily with Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter. The onset of Reiter syndrome is associated with infection, genetic markers (HLA-B27), and immune disorders. The pathological changes of the synovium are nonspecific inflammation. This disease is more common in young males. The incidence rate abroad ranges from 0.06% to 1%. There are no statistical data reported in this regard in China.

Reiter's syndrome is more common in males, with an onset age of 20 to 40 years old. There is often a history of unclean sexual intercourse or diarrhea. Typical patients have a triad of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis. Most patients have acute onset of the disease. The arthritis is multiple, asymmetrical, and varies in severity. It is mostly in the lower limbs, with the most common being the knees, ankles, and metatarsophalangeal joints. The small joints of the fingers and toes may also be affected. The joints are red, swollen, hot, and painful. The muscles near the affected joints will atrophy. The arthritis lasts for 1 to 3 months and subsides on its own. There are many relapses. Repeated attacks and severe arthritis may cause joint deformities.

Personal prevention:

① Live a regular life, pay attention to nutrition, and exercise to enhance your immune function.

② Pay attention to environmental and personal hygiene, take a bath and change clothes frequently.

③Prevent the occurrence of urethritis, cervicitis, prostatitis and other diseases. Once they occur, they should be actively treated.

In fact, the key to this type of disease is that we pay attention to our living habits, hygiene conditions, etc. in our daily lives. We should be alert after understanding it and seek medical attention immediately if there is such a trend. Once we understand it and take it seriously to a certain extent, it is not a serious disease and there is no need to panic too much.