AntarDhwani
»Enteropathic Arthritis Enteropathic arthritis is a form of chronic, inflammatory arthritis associated with the occurrence of an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the two best-known types of which are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. About one in five people with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis will develop enteropathic arthritis.
The most common areas affected by enteropathic arthritis are inflammation of the peripheral (limb) joints, as well as the abdominal pain and possibly bloody diarrhea associated with the IBD component of the disease. In some cases, the entire spine can become involved as well.
Currently, there is no known cure for enteropathic arthritis, but a range of medications and therapies can help manage both joint and bowel inflammation. These treatments are designed to relieve enteropathic arthritis symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue, while also controlling the underlying inflammatory bowel disease to improve overall quality of life.
Many people don’t realize that the gastrointestinal tract contains the largest immune system in the body. The immune system is the body’s natural defense against foreign invaders, and it is somehow altered in people who have these conditions. Some researchers believe that the long-lasting inflammation found in the intestines of people with IBD damages the bowel, which in turn may allow bacteria to enter the damaged bowel wall and circulate through the blood stream. The body’s reaction to these bacteria may cause other problems including inflammation in the joints and/or spine, skin sores and inflammation of the eyes. Currently this hypothesis is neither fully understood nor confirmed by rigorous scientific study.
Ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases tend to run in families, so there is a genetic factor involved as well. Those who test positive for the HLA-B27 genetic marker are much more likely to have spinal involvement with enteropathic arthritis than those who test negative.
The progression of enteropathic arthritis varies greatly from person to person. Flares—periods of increased inflammation—typically last around six weeks and may settle on their own, but recurrence is common. In some individuals, arthritis can become chronic and lead to joint damage if untreated.
For people seeking community and shared experiences, joining an Ankylosing Spondylitis Support Group or participating in Ankylosing Spondylitis Awareness activities can provide helpful education, encouragement, and resources, especially since enteropathic arthritis is part of the larger spondyloarthritis family.