Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

Ankylosing Spondylitis Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory joint disease characterized by the fusing of the vertebrae of the spine. The consequence of this disease is the reduction in the flexibility of the spine, altering the posture of the spine to hunch forward. It is caused by the presence of the HLA- B27 gene making the personmore prone to the development of ankylosing spondylitis. Amajor symptomof this disease includes pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, mostly after a long period of rest or inactivity. Gout Gout is an inflammatory disease of the joint associated with sudden and severe pain, redness, and tenderness in joints. It is a complex form of arthritis that mostly affects the joint at the base of the big toe. Women are more susceptible to suffer from gout after menopause. The cause of gout is the formation of urate crystals in the joints. This normally happens when the body has high uric acid in the blood. Higher levels of uric acids are generally due to the intake of certain foods like steak, seafood, organ meats, fructose, and alcoholic beverages. It can also build up when the body produces a high volume of uric acid or the kidney is not able to secrete an adequate quantity of uric acid from the blood. Symptoms of gout include intense pain in the joints, lingering discomfort, inflammation and redness, and decreased mobility of the joints. Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that is developed by people suffering from psoriasis. Psoriasis is the condition of the skin characterized by the formation of red patches topped with silvery scales. Psoriatic arthritis can be developed at any part of the body and can range from mild to severe. There is no cure for this disease but medications can help in relieving the symptoms and preventing further damage to joints. It is caused when the immune system starts attacking the healthy cells and tissues of the body, causing inflammation in joints and the over production of skin cells. Family history of psoriasis can be another cause for this disorder. Signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include swelling of fingers and toes and pain in the foot and lower back. Infectious Joint Disorders Septic Arthritis Septic arthritis is an inflammatory infection of the joints that causes immense pain. It is caused when pathogens travel from other parts of the body through the blood. Septic arthritis can affect the hips, shoulders, and other joints but is most common in the knees. The infection damages the cartilage, as well as the bone, and hence, requires immediate attention to prevent disability. It can be caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus infections. It is possible to develop septic arthritis when the person is already suffering from a skin infection or urinary tract infection. The microorganisms travel from the site of infection to the joints, causing septic arthritis. It is also caused when pathogens enter the body through a puncture wound, drug injection, or surgery near the joint. Symptoms of septic arthritis involve extreme discomfort, pain, redness, warmth, and swelling with other systemic signs such as fever and weight loss.

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