Reiter's Syndrome Reactive Arthritis

Reiter's syndrome is sometimes referred to as reactive arthritis, usually resulting from an infection , either urogenital or intestinal, it tends to follow an episodic and relapsing course.

The onset of Reiter's syndrome  may begin with a low-grade fever and diarrhea,  conjunctivitis may follow some weeks later. Urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis, may be present singularly, or all three symptoms may present together. Brown raised lesions may be found on the soles of the feet, other areas of skin may also be involved including scalp. Uveitis may be found in patients who have had the disease for some time, and is one of the more serious manifestations of the disease. It may range from an initial purulent conjunctivitis to keratitis, cataracts, and glaucoma resulting from repeated inflammatory episodes.

Small joints and feet may be affected, achilles tendon or plantar fascia.Other areas of the body may also be affected and commonly occur, skin, nails, mouth,inflammation of the glans penis, and inflammation of the uterine cervix.

Dermal lesions as can be seen in the above image occur most commonly on plantar surfaces and toes, but may also appear on palms.

Medical treatment for Reiter's syndrome involves the use of NSAIDs, as the disease progresses, there may be exacerbations followed by remissions, a large percentage of patients develop chronic arthritis, visual problems or urethral strictures. DMARDs ( disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) may be used if the disease fails to resolve, and cortisone eye drops may be used if there is a uveitis.The disease may last from 3 to 6 months.

Alternative Medicine's approach to treatment

Alternative Medicine's approach would be to treat the cause of Reiter's Syndrome, just treating the symptoms does not halt the progression  of the disease.  Reiter's Syndrome occurs as a result of an infection, chlamydia trachomatis has been demonstrated to be the infective agent for the urogenital manifestation of this disease,and a number of bacteria have been shown to be involved in the dysenteric type.

Herbs for the urethritis: Uva ursi is a urinary antiseptic, and has been used successfully for inflammation in the kidneys, bladder, or prostate.Couch grass is a mild demulcent used to treat urinary tract infections. Celery is another urinary antiseptic and diuretic.Buchu, not to be taken during pregnancy,commonly used for urinary tract infections.Cornsilk is a soothing urinary tract remedy, it relieves irritation, and improves urine flow and elimination.

Herbs for the conjunctivitis: Euphrasia/eyebright relieves inflammation of conjunctivitis.

If you are taking prescription medicines, please consult your doctor before you take herbs of any description.

Homeopathic remedies for conjunctivitis: Argentum Nitricum 200c would be appropriate if there was a purulent discharge from the eyes, and it was difficult to open the eyes after sleep due to the lids sticking together.

Euphrasia 200c if the discharge from the eyes is thin, watery and profuse.

Intense itching of the eyes along with the above symptoms, Antimonium Crudum 6c.

Great redness of the eyes, very painful, photobia. Belladonna3c, Purulent discharge from the eyes, but the eyelids do not stick together, Argentum Metalliucum 200c.

Your diet should consist of fresh organic fruit and vegetables,nuts, and wholegrains.(organic wherever possible)No refined products or saturated fats should be consumed. freshly ground flaxseeds, cod liver oil, borage oil, blackcurrant seed oil, and evening primrose oil  should be taken regularly, and virgin olive oil should be used for cooking.Avoid tomatoes, eggplants, capsicum, potatoes,spinach and rhubarb, for these can trigger flare-ups of the disease.

No diet drinks, or artificial sweetners of any kind should be consumed. Read more:Lupus Erythematosus

References:McCance Kathryn L & Huether Sue e, Pathphysiology, The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children. Published The C.V. Mosby Company.1990.

Forbes,Charles & Jackson William. Color Atlas and Text of Clinical Medicine 2nd edition published Mosby-Wolf 1997.

 Weiss, Rudolf Herbal Medicine, Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd 1991.

Chevallier, Andrew The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.Dorling Kindersley 1996.

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