If you have Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), you are probably familiar with back pain, morning stiffness, neck pain, and fatigue. Many people think that this is a disease that only affects the spine. But in fact, this disease can affect many other important parts of our body, or as we call it, 'complications'. So it is very important that you are aware of this. Let's talk about it in simple terms today.
Can the eyes also be affected?
Yes, this is a common complication seen in AS patients. Suddenly, one of your eyes may become red, painful, and have a bit of blurred vision. You may also experience light sensitivity. We medically call this condition Iritis or Anterior Uveitis .
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't assume it's just a common eye condition. See a doctor as soon as possible. If not treated promptly, there is a chance that your vision may be permanently damaged. Corticosteroid eye drops are usually used as treatment.
Take care of not only your spine, but also your other joints.
The inflammation, or swelling and pain, caused by AS isn't limited to your spine. It can also affect your larger joints, such as your knees, hips, and shoulders . When these joints are damaged over time, they can become painful and make it difficult to perform daily activities. In some severe cases, if the damage is too extensive, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery .
Another special case is enthesitis . Simply put, this is inflammation where our tendons and ligaments connect to our bones. This can cause pain under and behind your heels, above your collarbone, and where your ribs connect to your breastbone. If you have this type of chest pain, you may also feel pain when you breathe. So, if you have any kind of chest pain, be sure to talk to your doctor to make sure it's not a sign of something more serious.
Serious changes that can occur in the spine
The main thing that can happen when AS becomes severe is the fusion of the bones in the spine, or spinal fusion . This causes the spine to lose its flexibility and become unable to keep its spine straight and bend forward. We also call this kyphosis .
When the spine is damaged in this way, the risk of fractures in the spine is very high. Because the spine is not flexible, even a small fall can cause serious damage. Also, with this disease , osteoporosis , which is a condition in which the bones become thin and weak, is also common. This can lead to fractures in the spine.
| Affected body part | Possible problem (complication) | Symptoms to watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Eyes | Iritis/ Uveitis | Eye redness, pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light. |
| Spine | Spine Fusion, Fractures | Forward bending of the spine, increased stiffness in the back, sudden back pain. |
| Heart | Cardiovascular disease, heart rhythm abnormalities | Chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, abnormal heartbeat. |
| Digestive system | Gut Inflammation / IBD | Stomach ache, persistent diarrhea (diarrhea). |
| Lungs | Decreased lung function, scarring of the lungs (Fibrosis) | Difficulty taking a deep breath, persistent cough, shortness of breath. |
| Emergency! - Seek medical advice immediately. | ||
| Lower part of the spine | Cauda Equina Syndrome | Numbness in the buttocks and lower abdomen, inability to control urine and stool, weakness in the legs and difficulty walking. This is a medical emergency! |
Effects on the heart, lungs, and other organs
The systemic inflammation that occurs in AS can also affect other organs in the body.
Heart disease risk
People with AS are at slightly increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This includes conditions such as stroke. They can also develop conditions such as aortitis, heart muscle problems (cardiomyopathy), and arrhythmias.
Digestive system problems
Some people with AS may also develop a condition called Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) , which can cause symptoms such as persistent stomach pain and diarrhea.
Skin diseases
Psoriasis, an immune-mediated skin disease, can also be seen in AS patients. This causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.
Lung problems
Although this is not very common, AS can cause the rib cage in the chest to tighten, reducing the ability to take a deep breath (lung capacity). In rare cases, scarring (fibrosis) can occur in the upper part of the lungs.
Don't forget about mental health too
When you live with pain and physical discomfort for a long time, it's common to feel depressed. People with AS are at higher risk of developing depression and anxiety . If you're feeling stressed or anxious, don't ignore it. Talk to your doctor about it. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
Very rare but important complications to be aware of
These situations are very rare, but it's important to be aware of them.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: This is a medical emergency. It is caused by compression of the nerves at the base of the spine. If you experience symptoms such as numbness in the lower abdomen and buttocks, loss of bladder and bowel control, or weakness in your legs that makes it difficult to walk , go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
- Amyloidosis: In this condition, an abnormal protein called amyloid can build up in organs such as the kidneys and heart. This is very rare.
These things are not meant to scare you. They are meant to educate you about your condition. Not everyone develops these complications. But if you are aware of these symptoms, you can identify and seek treatment early if a problem arises.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is not just a disease of the spine. It can also affect the eyes, heart, lungs, intestines, and other joints.
- Always be aware of any new symptoms that appear in your body (e.g., red eyes, chest pain, difficulty breathing). Don't ignore them.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any new or unusual symptoms. Early detection can help prevent serious complications.
- If you have symptoms such as numbness in the lower abdomen, loss of urinary/fecal control, consider it an emergency and go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Take care of your mental health as well as your physical health. If you feel stressed, seek medical advice.
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