Ankylosing spondylitis often remains undetected in women

Rheumatic disease affects both women and men alike
Ankylosing spondylitis - a rheumatic disease that causes stiffening of the spine - has long been considered a "male disease". Today, however, it is known that the disease affects women equally. However, the stiffening is slower with them. Therefore, Bechterew's disease is more often overlooked in women. Women who often suffer from severe back and joint complaints, red, sore eyes, photosensitivity or digestive problems should consult a rheumatologist. Especially because early start of therapy has a positive influence on the course of the disease. Rheumatologists treat the painful disease in addition to medication with alternative therapies such as therapies in radon thermal gallstones.
The number of unreported cases in women with ankylosing spondylitis is very high. Experts estimate that about one in three or even every second affected woman does not know about the disease. "Pain in the lumbar and gluteal region, which often occurs at night and in the morning, are typical signs," says Univ.-Doz. Dr. Bertram Hölzl, Bechterew expert and scientific director of the Gastein Heilstollen. "In addition, morning stiffness in the limbs, which decreases with movement, and pain that aggravates in rest periods, speak for ankylosing spondylitis."

Also, chronic fatigue and slowly progressive stiffening of the spine join the symptoms. The cause seems to be a malfunction of the immune system in which the body's own immune cells migrate into the tissue and trigger inflammatory reactions there. "Similar causes are also due to the often observed concomitant diseases such as eye inflammation or inflammatory bowel disease", explains Dr. med. Hölzl. First symptoms often appear before the age of 45.

In contrast to other rheumatic diseases, in the case of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid factors in the blood can not be detected. Inflammations make rheumatologists visible on MRI, and spinal deformities can be seen on the radiograph later. The treatment of Bechterew's diseases is put together by experts. In addition to physiotherapy, analgesic, anti-inflammatory drugs and so-called biologics, many patients have good experiences with a stay in Radon thermal galleries once a year.

"Radon releases mild alpha rays in the body, which stimulate cell repair mechanisms and reduce the activity of inflammatory cells and painkillers," says Dr. Hölzl. "Radon works best in combination with heat." Scientific studies confirm that so-called radon heat therapy, which is offered as part of a treatment, has success rates of between 80 and 90 percent. Radon heat therapy, for example, causes a significant reduction in pressure pain, pain intensity, functional limitations and drug consumption. Health insurance companies pay about 90 percent of the costs. In addition, patients contribute to the success of therapy through a healthy lifestyle. A lot of exercise, healthy eating, avoiding smoking and avoiding obesity are the most important factors. (Pm)