Does Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) cause kidney problems? Let's find out exactly what this is.

Do you have Ankylosing Spondylitis, or AS for short? Then you probably know how much it affects the joints between the spine and hips. But what you may not know is that some people with AS can also develop kidney problems. This doesn't happen to everyone, but it's important to be aware of this.

Simply put, Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that affects the spine and its associated joints. What happens in this is that there is a long-term inflammation in the body. This uncontrolled inflammation in the body does not just sit there. It starts to affect different parts of the body. The kidneys are one such place. New research shows that this connection may now be more common than previously thought. So let's talk about this today.

What kidney problems can occur due to AS?

There are several main ways that AS can affect the kidneys. Let's take a look at what they are.

1. Secondary Renal Amyloidosis

This may sound like a complicated name, but it's simple. Due to long-term inflammatory conditions in our bodies, an abnormal protein called 'amyloid' can be produced. This protein gradually starts to build up inside the kidneys. It's like rust building up inside a pipe. As the protein builds up, the kidneys can no longer do their normal job, which is filtering the blood. This condition is also called 'AA amyloidosis'.

2. Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy (IgAN)

This is another kidney disease that can be seen in AS patients. What happens in this is that a protein called IgA, which is part of our immune system, gets deposited in the kidneys, causing inflammation there and damaging the kidneys. To confirm whether this is really the case , a biopsy is needed, which is a small piece of tissue taken from the kidney and examined.

3. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a condition in which the kidneys become damaged over time and gradually lose their function. While AS can be one cause, other conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can also contribute to the condition. When the kidneys are unable to filter waste products from the blood properly, those waste products build up in the body, increasing the risk of serious problems like heart disease and stroke.

4. Kidney Stones

Some studies have shown that people with AS, especially those who have had it for a long time, are more likely to develop kidney stones than healthy people. These are small, hard deposits made up of salts and minerals. Sometimes they pass out with urine, but it can be very painful . Sometimes these stones can get stuck in the urinary tract and cause infections.

What are the symptoms of kidney problems?

Each of these conditions has common and specific symptoms. It is very important for you to be aware of these, because then you can see a doctor quickly.

If you have AS and are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, please don't ignore it. Be sure to talk to your doctor about it.

Why do these problems occur? What are the risk factors?

It is sometimes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of kidney disease, but there are several main reasons why it is associated with AS.

• Uncontrolled inflammation: Chronic inflammation, a core feature of AS, is the main culprit. This is what causes conditions like Amyloidosis and IgAN.
• Medications: Some painkillers for AS and arthritis, especially NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), can be harmful to the kidneys if used for a long time. Therefore, avoid taking painkillers on your own without consulting your doctor.
• Other medical conditions: The risk of developing kidney disease is even higher if you have conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
• Smoking and family history: People who smoke and have a family history of kidney disease are at higher risk.

How to treat and manage?

The best thing is that these conditions can be managed. Treatment options depend on the type of kidney problem you have.

The most important thing is to control your AS well. The more inflammation you control, the less damage you can do to your kidneys. This means following your doctor's treatment, such as biologic agents (like TNF blockers), exactly.

In addition,

• Talk to your doctor about the medications you take (including painkillers) and discuss alternatives that are not harmful to your kidneys.
• Keep other medical conditions like blood pressure and diabetes under control.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Follow your doctor's advice and follow a diet low in salt and protein.
• Do not take any vitamins or supplements without consulting your doctor.

If chronic kidney disease (CKD) becomes severe, it may lead to dialysis or a kidney transplant, so it's best to take care of this early on.

Ankylosing Spondylitis, Kidney Disease, AS and Kidneys, Chronic Kidney Disease, CKD, Arthritis, Back Pain