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Connection Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and IBS
Ankylosing spondylitisis a disease that causes inflammation.
It is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine.
However, it also affects other body systems and can produce digestive symptoms.
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The reasons for this connection arent clear and may be quite complex.
A flare-up of ankylosing spondylitis might also lead to more digestive symptoms.
Ankylosing spondylitis is also connected to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBD causes inflammation in the body, while IBS does not.
Ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammation and is progressive.
IBS is a gut-brain disorder, is not progressive, and does not lead to inflammation.
Treatment can include NSAIDs, which treat both pain and inflammation.
Other medications may prove necessary if NSAIDs are ineffective.
Cosentyx (secukinumab) or Taltz (ixekizumab) may treat ankylosing spondylitis if TNF inhibitors are not working.
Exercise is one of the non-medication treatments that may treat ankylosing spondylitis.
A regular exercise program may help with pain and mobility because the condition may lead to stiff joints.
A physical therapist can help develop one.
Individual Treatment
The way ankylosing spondylitis affects every person is different.
Diet is a difficult puzzle to solve with IBS.
In some cases, a dietitian or other healthcare provider might recommend a particular diet.
Xifaxan (rifaximin) is an antibiotic that can treat IBS or small intestine bacterial overgrowth.
Another jot down of drug that may treat IBS is theantidepressant.
Prevention
Ankylosing spondylitis and IBS are not preventable conditions.
However, for people diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, its important to make that connection with the digestive symptoms.
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine.
A Word From Verywell
A diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is upsetting and disruptive.
Healthcare providers should take digestive symptoms seriously and work toward making a diagnosis.
Advocate for yourself to ensure you receive the right treatment.
Some theories suggest a combination of highly individualized reasons for each person.
People with ankylosing spondylitis may see arheumatologistfor treatment of the condition.
For digestive problems, agastroenterologist, who is a specialist in the digestive system, can often help.
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