How to Diagnose Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is hard to pronounce and can be even harder to diagnose. Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis that can cause pain and inflammation in various areas of the body. Since ankylosing spondylitis can cause bone to form, it can be a quite serious condition.
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Instructions
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Look at your family history. Ankylosing spondylitis is a genetically linked form of arthritis. If you test positive for the HLA-B27 gene, then you are more likely to develop the condition.
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Consider your risk factors. Men are more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis than women. Most people become symptomatic between their teenage years and middle adulthood.
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Note your symptoms. The first sign of ankylosing spondylitis is pain and stiffness in the bones of the lower body, particularly the hips and lower back. As the condition progresses, symptoms can include hunched shoulders and back, weight loss, decreased appetite and inflammation in other areas of the body.
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Make an appointment with your family doctor. Let him know your symptoms and if your family has a history of ankylosing spondylitis.
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Get blood work done. A basic blood work panel can check for inflammation in your body.
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Go to a radiologist for x-rays. The radiologist looks for signs of ankylosing spondylitis in your bones and joints.
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Tips & Warnings
You need to get ankylosing spondylitis diagnosed early on to avoid developing complications including breathing problems, difficulty walking and increased risk of infection.
