Signs and Symptoms of Reiter’s Syndrome

Reiter’s syndrome is an autoimmune condition which causes arthritis-like symptoms in the joints, the skeleton and the spine. Other symptoms include a rash, genitourinary tract inflammation, and conjunctivitis of the eyes. The condition is usually short-term, lasting from a few weeks to a few months. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of Reiter’s Syndrome below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Reiter’s Syndrome are as follows:

Inflammation of the urethra
Discharge from the penis in men and the vagina in women
Joint pain
Joint stiffness
Pain in the spine
Back pain
Red, light-sensitive eyes
Fever
Weakness
Pain in the heels, tendons in the feet, knees and ankles

It is estimated that about three or four people out of every 100,000 have this condition. It occurs more frequently in men, and the typical age of onset is between twenty and forty.

Diagnosis of Reiter’s Syndrome

It is difficult to make a diagnosis of Reiter’s Syndrome. Symptoms are usually observed for a few days or weeks before a diagnosis is given. For a diagnosis of Reiter’s syndrome, two of these conditions must be observed, and one of them must affect the musculoskeletal system:

Joint stiffness, especially in the knees, ankles and feet
Toe or heel pain
Sore fingers
Conjunctivitis
Genitourinary tract symptoms
Mouth sores
Diarrhea
Nodules on the skin

Books for People With Signs and Symptoms of Reiter’s Syndrome

Reiter’s Syndrome – A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References ICON Health Publications	Living Well with Autoimmune Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You…That You Need to Know Mary J. Shomon


Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine: Reiter’s syndrome Rebecca J. Frey PhD	Reiter’s Syndrome: An entry from Gale’s Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine, 3rd ed. Rebecca, PhD Frey

Reiter’s Syndrome Resources

General Patient Resource

About.com

Information on the cause, diagnosis and treatment of reactive arthritis, which is also known as Reiter’s syndrome.

http://arthritis.about.com/od/reiters/Reactive_Arthritis_Reiters_Syndrome_Cause_Diagnosis_Treatment.htm

Symptoms of Reiter’s syndrome including 105 medical symptoms and signs … Videos related to Reiter’s syndrome; Online Forums for Reiter’s syndrome.

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/r/reiter_s_syndrome/symptoms.htm

Health Scout

Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention of Reiter’s Syndrome … Definition of Reiter’s Syndrome; Description of Reiter’s Syndrome; Causes and Risk Factors of Reiter’s Syndrome.

http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/430/main.html

Experience Project

Do You Have Reiter’s Syndrome? Join friendly people sharing true stories in the I Have Reiter’s Syndrome group. Find support forums, advice and chat with groups who share

Stories and expereinces with Reiter’s Syndrome.

http://www.experienceproject.com/groups/Have-Reiters-Syndrome/92021

Medical Resources

Web MD

Arthritis Health Center article.

http://arthritis.webmd.com/reiters-syndrome

UW Medicine

Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

http://www.orthop.washington.edu/PatientCare/OurServices/Arthritis/Articles/ReitersSyndrome.aspx

Medline Plus

A service of the US National Library of Medicine

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000440.htm