Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the spine and other joints. It is characterized by chronic inflammation and stiffness in the spine, resulting in pain and reduced mobility. People with AS may also experience other autoimmune diseases. The most common autoimmune diseases associated with AS are psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and reactive arthritis.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes patches of thick, red, scaly skin. It is often associated with AS because of the joint inflammation it can cause. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that is thought to be triggered by environmental factors, such as stress or infection. In people with AS, it is thought to be aggravated by the chronic inflammation caused by the disorder.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
IBD is a group of chronic inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. It includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and is characterized by abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. IBD is associated with AS because both conditions involve inflammation of the joints and other organs. It is thought that the presence of IBD may increase the risk of developing AS.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by an infection in another part of the body, such as the urinary tract or gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints, typically affecting the knees, ankles, and feet. Reactive arthritis is associated with AS because it can cause joint inflammation and stiffness, similar to AS.