Reiter syndrome is an autoimmune disease that occurs due to a bacterial infection in the patient’s gut, genitals or urinary tract. The disease is also known as reactive arthritis. Reiter syndrome affects the joints, eyes, skin and urethra. The bacterial infection may be triggered by sexually transmitted diseases Chlamydia and Ureaplasma urealyticum. Patients with Salmonella, Yersinia, Shigella, and Campylobacter, all intestinal infections may also contract the disease.
The symptoms of the syndrome can be short term and last for a few months or sometimes subsist for a very long time. Patients suffer from joint pain and swelling, along with redness typically found in the knees, feet, and ankles. Patients may also experience eye inflammation and issues related to their urinary health. Reiter syndrome affects both men and women but is far more predominant in white men. Men from 20 to 50 years old are at a much higher risk of developing Reiter syndrome. Patients with HIV are also at a high risk for contracting the disease.
Common Symptoms of Reiter Syndrome:
- Diarrhea
- Painful urination or urinary tract infection.
- Sores filled with pus or rash on the soles of the feet, palms of the hand, mouth, and penis.
- Joint swelling, stiffness, and redness may include the knees, feet, ankles, spine and hips.
- Eye inflammation including conjunctivitis. Iritis (inflammation or the iris) and uveitis (inflammation of the inner eye) which require emergency medical attention to avoid permanent effects.
For answers or to make an appointment, call us toll-free at 800-923-7878 to speak with a Patient Care Team.
Recover your vitality, reclaim your energy and rediscover your health.
