What Do You Know About Rheumatic Diseases?

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September is Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month, so this is a good time to learn about four common rheumatic diseases: ankylosing spondylitis, gout, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and lupus.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that can cause some of the small bones in your spine to fuse together. This amalgamation makes the spine less flexible and can result in a bent forward posture. When ribs are affected, it can be difficult to take deep breaths.

Ankylosing spondylitis affects men more often than women and typically begins in early adulthood. Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can include pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue are also common. Symptoms may get worse, better, or stop at irregular intervals over time.

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but treatments can relieve your symptoms and potentially slow the progression of the disease.

gout

Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in one or more joints.

Gout is more common in men than women. Men are also more likely to develop gout earlier – usually between 30 and 50, while women generally develop signs and symptoms after menopause. The signs and symptoms of gout almost always come on suddenly, and often at night. These signs and symptoms can include severe joint pain, inflammation, and redness; persistent discomfort that lasts for days to weeks; and restricted freedom of movement.

Symptoms of gout can come and go, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some children may only have symptoms for a few months while others have symptoms for many years.

Some types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause serious complications, such as stunted growth, joint damage, and eye infections. Treatment focuses on controlling pain and inflammation, improving function, and preventing damage.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when your body’s immune system attacks your tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many body systems, including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Lupus is more common in women than men, and although it affects people of all ages, it is most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other diseases. The most noticeable sign of lupus – a facial rash that resembles the wings of a butterfly that unfolds down both cheeks – occurs in many, but not all, cases of lupus.

Some people are born with a tendency to develop lupus, which can be triggered by infections, certain drugs, or even sunlight. Although there is no cure for lupus, treatments can help control symptoms.

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