Yes, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a specific type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and large joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness that can eventually lead to the fusion of vertebrae, making the spine less flexible. It's considered a spondyloarthritis and an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's joints and ligaments.
Iritis that is associated with spondylitis is typically treated with topical corticosteroid eye drops along with a dilating eye drop.In severe or unresponsive cases, corticosteroid injections may be used. Certain TNF inhibitors are also highly effective at reducing occurrences of iritis.
These symptoms tend to develop gradually, usually over several months or years, and may come and go over time. In some people the condition gets better with time, but for others it can get slowly worse.
There is a high prevalence of erectile dysfunction among AS patients that is associated with disease activity measured by BASDAI.
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis isn't known, but genetic factors seem to be involved. People who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at a greatly increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing spondylitis is more severe than other forms of arthritis because it primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to significant pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Unlike rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, AS causes chronic inflammation and long-term joint damage.
Typically, people who get ankylosing spondylitis are young men between their teen years through 30's. However, it has been know to also occur in childhood and as late as the 60's. The disease is less common in women whom also tend to have milder form of the disease.
July 18, 2025
A new peer-reviewed study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests that ivarmacitinib, a new medication known as a selective JAK1 inhibitor, may be a promising treatment for people with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
HLA-B27 positivity alone is not life‑threatening. Most carriers never develop disease, but it increases risk for inflammatory conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis) that can cause chronic pain, functional problems, and rare complications if untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment lower risks.
Background: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic inflammatory disease with unknown etiology, and fatigue is one of the main systemic symptoms of AS. The aim of the current study was to explore the mechanism of AS-associated fatigue (ASF) from multiple aspects, including neuropsychological changes.
SIMPONI® is a TNF blocker injection taken under the skin once a month for adults with active ankylosing spondylitis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Steps To Prevent It From Getting Worse
Pain and stiffness can make it hard to expand the rib cage, leading to breathing problems. Overall management of the disease with medication, along with physical therapy and breathing exercises, can help lessen ankylosing spondylitis symptoms in your ribs.
There are no specific lab tests to identify ankylosing spondylitis. Certain blood tests, including erythrocyte sedimentary rate, also called sed rate, and C-reactive protein (CRP), can check for markers of inflammation, but many different health issues can cause inflammation. Blood can be tested for the HLA-B27 gene.
Common bowel problems with ankylosing spondylitis
Some common GI symptoms you may experience related to ankylosing spondylitis include: Diarrhea. Bloating. Change in bowel habits.
Given the role of vitamin D in promoting bone health and its anti-inflammatory properties, people with spondylitis might benefit from taking a vitamin D supplement.
In an earlier study HLA-B27 was found to correlate with some subgroups of schizophrenia, having an increased incidence specially in the subgroup of patients with poor prognostic features.
The lifetime risk of axSpA for HLA-B27+ FDR found was substantial: 27.1%, and radiographic changes in the SIJ (as defined by the mNY criteria) came out as an additional risk factor. It was also confirmed that affected mothers pass on the disease more often to their offspring than affected fathers.
If you have HLA-B27, you may have an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is when your immune system attacks your own cells. The most common autoimmune disorders connected with HLA-B27 antigens are: Ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine.
A. Ovchinnikov. Seniprutug is the world's first drug that has the potential not only to relieve the symptoms of the disease, but also to stop its progression. «Our development for ankylosing spondylitis is based on a completely new principle of drug action.
Illness and death
According to his father, Biden was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 2001 after returning from service in Kosovo.
For long-term treatment, biologics are generally considered safer than prolonged steroid use. While steroids work quickly to reduce inflammation, they can cause serious side effects when used long-term, including: Bone loss and increased fracture risk. Weight gain and swelling.
Flying can be exhausting, and with a disease like ankylosing spondylitis you may experience increased symptoms like fatigue, pain, inflammation, and lower immunity. Knowing this in advance can empower you to prepare well for a successful flight and trip.
HLA-B27 gene variant
Research has shown more than 8 out of 10 people with AS carry a particular gene variant known as human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27). Having this gene variant does not necessarily mean you'll develop AS.
Corticosteroids. Corticosteroids have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and can be taken as injections by people with AS. If a particular joint is inflamed, corticosteroids can be injected directly into the joint. You'll need to rest the joint for up to 48 hours after the injection.