Ankloysing Spondalitious - Research Paper Example

? Ankloysing Spondalitious Ankloysing Spondalitious Introduction In the discipline of medicine and health sciences, there is a wide range of diseases studied. As people age, they are prone to infections related to the spine and other bones in their whole body. Ankloysing Spondalitious is one of the least known diseases that majorly affect the vertebral part of human beings. Therefore, this article will provide a report concerning the disease by including a description of the disease or disorder. Moreover, this essay will also give a brief genetic link to the disease by including the treatment options, both medical and holistic, and its cure and cure rates. Medical Diagnosis Ankloysing Spondalitious is an inflammatory disease that makes some of the vertebrae in human beings to fuse together (Bono & Steven, 2004). The fusing mechanism thus makes the spine to be less flexible leading to a hunched forward posture. If this condition goes untreated, it may cause more damage to the head structure (Alice, 2002). This can inhibit one from raising his/her head to look forward. Studies show that men are more prone to be affected by the disease compared to women. The signs and symptoms of the disease show up in early adulthood period (late adolescence period). This can substantially increase causing inflammation in other body parts including the eyes and the bowels. Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of this disease include inflammation, stiffness and pain in the lower abdominal part (Wiesel, & John, 2004). These effects are evident in periods of inactivity and morning hours after sleep. These signs and symptoms gradually remain unnoticed for some time. However, they worsen at certain periods, and according to medical science, it is quite evident that this disease affects the bones and joints of the human body (Mathis, 2006). Some of the parts of the body linked with this inflammatory effect include the vertebrae in the lower abdominal part, areas where ligaments and tendons attach to bones, the cartilage between ribs and the breastbone, the joint between the base of the pelvis and spine, hips and joints of the shoulders (Bono & Steven, 2004). One is advised to see a doctor if chronic pain prolongs in these parts and also if he/she suspects that the condition relates to this disease. Other conditions also related to the disease include persistent irritation of the lower backbone and hips, or if breathing stimulates chest pains (Wiesel, & John, 2004). Causes of the Disease-Genetic Link This disease has no specified cause according to research made in the medical field. However, genetic factors are supposed to be the principal foundation of the disease. People who have the HLA-B27 gene become more prone to the contraction of this disorder than other human beings. When the disease worsens, the inflammation also increases. This is due to the mutual fusing of the gap in the vertebrae. The spine becomes inflexible and stiffened making one acquire a hunched forward posture. It can also lead to stiffening of the rib cage which restricts lung capacity and function (Alice, 2002). The factors that influence risk of contraction of the disease are divided into three. The factors are in relation to sex, age and the heredity factor. The male gender is more prone to contract this disorder as compared to the feminine gender (Keith & Ronald, 1991). On the onset, it is said that the disease mainly affects people in their late adolescent stage or early adulthood. The last risk factor associated with the disease is the heredity factor. Human beings possessing the HLA-B27 gene are also more prone to this disease among other conditions (Bono & Steven, 2004). Ankloysing Spondalitious, however, has varied complication severity from person-to-person. Some of the complications include eye inflammation, compression fractures, breathing difficulties and heart disorders. Eye inflammation, also known as uveitis is the most common complication associated with the disease (Wiesel, & John, 2004). Medical professions recommend that one should visit a doctor in case they experience these complications. However, diagnosis of the disease can be delayed if the signs and symptoms presented are mild (Mathis, 2006). This is because one may be confusing Ankloysing Spondalitious with the normal back problems experienced occasionally as they age. These normal back pains are common in case one is involved in long working hours. Treatment Options Medical professionals use tests including computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays also called imaging tests collectively. These tests allow the doctor to check any up-comings based on the characteristics of the joints and bones contained in different parts of the body. Moreover, there are no lab tests to assess for Ankloysing Spondalitious, but the HLA-B27 gene can be tested in the lab through blood samples (Bono & Steven, 2004). Cure and Cure Rates This condition has no actual cure; however, treatment options are available to relieve, prevent the symptoms and slow down the processing of the stiffening of the spine. This disease happens to be a long term disorder. If one suffers from the condition, then most probably one is directed to a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists are specialists in conditions affecting the joints, bones and muscles. Rheumatologists can advice one to get treatment using normal medication or through physical methods (Daniel & Steven, 2005). Alongside, physiotherapy patients are also prescribed medication. The medication includes bisphosphonates, painkillers, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, corticosteroids and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) (Mathis, 2006). Medication helps in relieving the inflammation effect, while the physical treatment method includes physiotherapy which reduces the effect of the disease (Alice, 2002). Some of the medications prescribed to these patients include (NSAIDs). This are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs which include ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac (Daniel & Steven, 2005). These drugs also have side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Moreover, NSAIDs are unsuitable for some individuals. This includes pregnant women, people with asthma, individuals suffering from hypertension, kidney and heart problems and people taking medications that prevent blood clotting (Bono & Steven, 2004). If these drugs are ineffective, the rheumatologist or GP can suggest Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) blockers. This is a cell protein which acts like a rabble-rousing agent in rheumatoid arthritis. These drugs reduce the inflammation capacity caused by this disease. Examples of TNF blockers include Adalimumab, Etanercept, Infliximab and Golimumab among others. TNF blockers are administered in injection form (Keith & Ronald, 1991). The side effects of these drugs are swellings from the injection, infections like tuberculosis, nausea, abdominal pain and headaches. Bisphosphonates can also be used in the treatment of a disorder called osteoporosis which is a condition related to weak, brittle bones (Mathis, 2006). This condition can develop due to the Ankloysing Spondalitious disorder. These drugs can be taken orally or administered in the form of injections. In addition, there are Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARD) which are used to treat other types of arthritis e.g. rheumatoid arthritis (Daniel & Steven, 2005). These drugs are prescribed in cases where the joints and the spine are involved. Scholars in the medical profession have identified two DMARDs that are helpful for spinal symptoms, which are Sulfasalazine and Methotrexate (Keith & Ronald, 1991). These drugs also have side effects like nausea, vomiting, heart burn and serious skin reactions (Mathis, 2006). Corticosteroid medicines also have power over the inflammatory effect. They are administered through tablets and injections. They reduce stiffness, pain and swelling of the joints. Just like other drugs it has its individual side effects. The effects include inflammation in response to the injections, depigmentation of the injected area, wasting away of the surrounding tissue and rupturing of a tendon (Keith & Ronald, 1991). The last alternative of medication for patients suffering from Ankloysing Spondalitious is taking of pain killers (Mathis, 2006). Pain killers reduce the inflammation and pain caused by the disease. There is an extensive variety of pain killers in the medical market. Moreover, one is advised to use a suitable product that will curb the pain they experience. It is evident that not all pain killers can be used to lessen the twinge caused by this disease. Most health practitioners will recommend Paracetamol which works effectively to reduce inflammation in the bones and spinal cord. Paracetamol is recommended since it has null side effects; moreover, it can be used by expectant women, people with an alcohol addiction among others who suffer from different conditions. On the other hand, physical therapy is beneficial to patients suffering from this disease (Alice, 2002). Physical therapy involves exercises and massaging the body to relax the bones in the body and reduce inflammation. This is because it relieves pain, improves flexibility and physical strength. This is accomplished by recurrent visits to therapists who offer basic exercises intended to hold back the condition (Wiesel, & John, 2004). These stretching exercises maintain flexibility and enhance proper posture. Surgery can also be performed if one notably experiences joint damage or severe pain (Bono & Steven, 2004). However, this is only prescribed by professionals in cases whereby the condition has tremendously affected the patient severely. The National Ankloysing Spondalitious Society (NASS) is a board which assists in monetary help and advice on the exercises to be performed by patients suffering from this disorder. Some of the types of physiotherapy recommended are exercises, massage, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy (Wiesel, & John, 2004). This therapies help in muscle relaxation and pain relieving by manipulating the body tissues and bone through exerting pressure on them. However, for treatment to be effective there are some behaviors that need to be shunned. Patients under medication of this disease should shun smoking totally- be it active or passive smoking- due to its effects to the patient’s lungs (Daniel & Steven, 2005). Smoking has a tremendous effect on someone’s health and well-being. People suffering from this spinal condition are not an exception; since it damages the lungs affecting one’s breathing (Mathis, 2006). After 12 weeks of treatment, one should go for one more examination to aid in establishing progress in healing of the condition. It will show that one’s health has improved sufficiently if the response to medication is positive which is achieved from pain tests and BASDAI. The course of one’s condition may change making one experiencing remissions and relapses throughout their lives. However, most people are said to have a strong body structure, and they are able to live productive lives despite diagnosis of the condition. In conclusion, genetic factors emerge to play a part in the disease (Daniel & Steven, 2005). Being aware of the risks involved in contraction of the disease can help in detection and treatment of the disorder. The earlier the disease is detected, the better, since it will aid in treatment and prevent the onset of other deformities. It is advisable that when one frequently experiences pain and inflammations in the lower abdominal spine, they should visit a doctor for check-ups (Mathis, 2006). This will enable the doctor to assist in prevention of such disorders that may lead to deformation of the spinal cord. Therapists also recommend that people should shun long working hours due to the effect it has on the spine. Once in a while people are advised to visit a gym for exercises or massage parlors in order to relax their muscles hence maintaining a healthier lifestyle (Mathis, 2006). References Alice, S. (2002). The lovely bones: A novel. Minneapolis: Little Brown publishers. Bono, C. & Steven, G. (2004). Spine. New York: HarperCollins publishers. Daniel, R. & Steven, G. (2005). Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty. New York: Bantam publishers. Keith, H. & Ronald, L. (1991). The textbook of spinal surgery. Michigan: Lippincott press. Mathis, J. (2006). Percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. Michigan: Springer publishers. Wiesel, S. & John, W. (2004). The adult and pediatric spine. Michigan: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins press. Read More