When your doctor tells you that you have Ankylosing Spondylitis, you probably think of back pain, neck stiffness, and fatigue. These are the main symptoms. But this condition is not limited to the spine. It can affect many other parts of our body and can increase the risk of other diseases. So today, let's talk about the possible complications of this disease.
Effects on the eyes - Iritis
Imagine suddenly having one of your eyes become red, blurry, and painful, making it difficult to look at the light. This is not something you should just ignore. These could be symptoms of a condition called Iritis (sometimes called Anterior Uveitis ). Simply put, this is inflammation of the front part of the eye. This is a common complication of ankylosing spondylitis. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately and get treatment. Otherwise, you may lose your vision. This is usually treated with eyedrops containing corticosteroids.
Arthritis and pain
In addition to your back, you may experience pain and stiffness in other large joints, such as your knees, hips, and shoulders. This is because the inflammation caused by this disease damages these joints. Sometimes, if the damage is too severe, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery .
| Body parts that may be affected | Possible complications |
|---|---|
| Spine | Fusion of vertebrae, forward bending (kyphosis), increased risk of fractures, osteoporosis. |
| Heart | Aortitis, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia. |
| Lungs | Inability to inflate the chest properly, scarring of the upper part of the lungs (Fibrosis). |
| Gut | Inflammation of the digestive tract, stomach pain, diarrhea, risk of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). |
What is Enthesitis?
This is a bit of a medical term. Simply put, enthesitis is when the places where our tendons and ligaments attach to bones (called entheses) become inflamed. This can cause pain. This condition most commonly affects the back and bottom of the heel, the top of the collarbone, and the area where the ribs attach to the breastbone. When this inflammation occurs in the chest, it can cause pain when taking a deep breath and difficulty breathing.
If you have chest pain, don't just assume it's due to this disease, but definitely see a doctor to rule out another heart condition.
Spinal cord compression and fractures
In some patients, this disease causes the vertebrae (spine) to fuse together. This is called Spine Fusion . When this happens, the spine loses its flexibility and posture can be permanently altered. Often, the spine can curve forward and become hunched over ( Kyphosis ). Also, if the ribs are affected, it can be difficult to take a deep breath.
When the spine is compressed in this way, the bones become weak and the risk of spinal fractures , along with conditions like osteoporosis , is greatly increased. These can be very dangerous for the spinal cord and nerves. Talk to your doctor about medications to strengthen your bones.
Effects on the heart and blood vessels
This condition slightly increases the risk of developing certain heart diseases. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about making changes to your lifestyle and eating habits, and, if necessary, about medication. Some of the problems that can occur are:
- Cardiovascular disease: This is a general term for a number of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. Stroke is one of them.
- Aortitis: Inflammation of the aorta and its valves, the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body.
- Cardiomyopathy: Problems affecting the heart muscle. Simply put, it is a weakening of the heart muscle.
- Arrhythmia: The occurrence of an abnormal heart rate.
Other effects and complications
In addition to the main things mentioned above, it is good for us to be aware of several other influences.
Skin diseases (Psoriasis)
Psoriasis , a skin disease that causes red, scaly , itchy patches on the skin, is also seen among these patients. This is also a problem with the immune system.
Mental health problems
When you live with such long-term pain and discomfort, you are at greater risk of developing mental health problems like depression and anxiety . It is not your fault. Mental health is just as important as physical health. So if you are feeling mentally unwell, never be afraid to talk openly with your doctor about it.
Very rare but serious complications
These don't happen to everyone, but it's important to be aware of them.
- Amyloidosis: This is when an abnormal protein called amyloid builds up in organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart, causing those organs to stop working properly.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: This is a very rare condition. It occurs when a nerve bundle at the bottom of the spine is compressed. If you experience symptoms such as numbness or pain in the buttocks or lower back, loss of bladder or bowel control, or difficulty walking due to weakness in the legs , you should go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Take-Home Message
- Ankylosing Spondylitis is not a disease limited to back pain. It can affect many different parts of the body.
- If you experience sudden eye pain, redness, or blurred vision, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, do not ignore them. See your doctor immediately.
- Pay attention to changes in your joints, skin, and digestive system.
- Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, talk to your doctor about it.
- Many of these complications can be managed by maintaining regular contact with your doctor and receiving appropriate testing and treatment.
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