Reiter’s syndrome is an inflammatory reaction to an infection somewhere in the body. It usually follows an infection of the urinary, genital, or digestive tract. It is treated with rest and medication.
Reiter's syndrome is triggered by certain infections. It is usually caused by the bacterium
that causes chlamydia. Chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected partner. The infection can also begin in the digestive system. In these cases, the infection occurs after eating food tainted with bacteria.
Factors that increase your risk of getting Reiter's syndrome include:
Family members with Reiter's syndromeInheriting the genetic trait associated with Reiter’s syndrome (HLA-B27)Having a chlamydia infection or an infection in the digestive systemSymptoms occur in the joints, the eyes, the urinary tract, and genitals. Men and women may experience different symptoms. In rare cases, heart problems may develop later in the disease.
Swelling, pain, and redness, especially in the knees, ankles, and feetHeel painBack pain and stiffness
RednessBurningIrritationBlurred visionTearingDischargeIn men:
Burning sensation when passing urinePenile dischargeIn women:
Burning sensation when passing urineInflamed vagina and cervix
Rash, especially on the palms or solesUlcers in the mouth or on the tongueWeight lossPoor appetiteFatigueFeverYour doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor uses these findings to help make the diagnosis. There is no specific test to check for Reiter’s syndrome.
Your doctor may need to test your bodily fluids and tissues. This can be done with:
Blood testsCulture, gram stain, or other testsRemoval of fluid from the affected jointsYour doctor may need pictures of your bodily structures. This can be done with X-rays.
There is no cure for Reiter’s syndrome. Most patients recover from the initial episode within 12 months. But some develop mild, chronic arthritis. Some patients suffer from additional episodes of the disorder.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and may include:
Short-term rest to take the strain off the joints.
This includes:
Assistive devices as recommended by your doctorOccupational therapy to learn how to take it easy on joints during daily activitiesYour doctor may prescribe some of the following:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofenSulfasalazineSteroid injections into the inflamed jointTopical steroid creams applied to skin lesionsIn some cases, antibiotics to treat the triggering infectionMedication that suppresses the immune systemEye dropsTo reduce your chances of getting Reiter's syndrome, take these steps:
Always use a latex condom during sexual activityHave a monogamous relationshipDo not go back and forth between sexual partnersHave regular checkups for STDsWash hands before eating or handling foodOnly eat foods that have been stored and prepared properly