The unresolved link between bowel inflammation and the immune system
People withankylosing spondylitismay also experience problems with their digestion.
Its thought that ankylosing spondylitis is associated with particular genes.
This article will cover the bowel symptoms and problems connected to ankylosing spondylitis.
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This inflammation can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-lasting).
It can cause many symptoms or could be part of another disease process.
Of those, about 70% had chronic diarrhea.
About 12% had symptoms that fulfilled the criteria for IBS.
The term for an imbalance in the bacteria and other microbes of the digestive system isdysbiosis.
Dysbiosis causes a series of events in the body that lead to inflammation.
Besides leading to ankylosing spondylitis, the inflammation can cause symptoms in the digestive system, such as diarrhea.
In some cases, the inflammation is thought to lead to diseases such as IBD.
Genes play a role in the development of ankylosing spondylitis and IBD.
But more factors in the process are complicated and not yet well understood.
Receiving a diagnosis of either one could come before the other.
People with IBD who have chronic back pain should bring that up with their healthcare providers.
Certain NSAIDS May Trigger Inflammation
Part of therapy for arthritis includes relieving pain.
The research is conflicting as to whether NSAIDs may cause IBD to flare up.
People with ankylosing spondylitis and IBS might see some benefits from the use of NSAIDs.
Oral and Injectable Steroids
Steroid injectionsor low doses of oral steroids might treat ankylosing spondylitis effectively.
However, these treatments havent proved effective in helping treat inflammation in the gut brought on by IBD.
To treat IBD, steroids are usually given in higher doses or in special gut-directed forms.
For that reason, steroids might not be effective at treating both conditions.
Therapies aimed at functional bowel problems will vary depending on the diagnosis.
There is a complex connection between the intestinal tract and the brain involving many factors.
What this means is that whats going on in the brain can affect the digestive tract.
Seeing a mental health professional could also help treat some of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.
For instance, learning ways to manage pain may prove helpful.
Sulfasalazine has not proved as effective in treating Crohns disease in the small intestine.
Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor
Anti-TNF drugs often treat both ankylosing spondylitis and IBD in the same person.
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis is associated with changes in the gut microbiome and inflammation in the digestive system.
People with ankylosing spondylitis are more likely to have digestive symptoms and even inflammation in their gut.
They have higher rates of functional bowel disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Some treatments might work for both conditions, but others will only be effective for one or the other.
Report any sign ofblood in the stoolorrectal bleedingimmediately.
Your symptoms may result from a functional bowel disorder or IBD.
When diagnosed, you must work with a healthcare provider to manage both conditions effectively.
The percentage of people with ankylosing spondylitis who have IBD as well is higher than in the general population.
The most common EAM is anterior uveitis, which is an inflammatory condition that affects the eyes.
Psoriasis, which is a condition that affects the skin, is also common.
Both IBS and IBD can cause incontinence because of diarrhea or constipation.
Talk to a healthcare provider to get the underlying problem managed.
This is a result of the nerves at the bottom of the spine becoming compressed.
It requires emergency treatment with steroids and/or surgery.
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