Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), often called Bechterew's disease, is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that usually affects the spine and sacroiliac joints but can also affect other joints and organs. It belongs to the class of diseases known as spondyloarthritis, which includes a number of connected diseases with associated symptoms. Asthma usually manifests in adolescence, frequently affecting people in their late teens or early twenties, and it is more common in males than in women. Entheses, the places where tendons or ligaments join to bone, are characterised by the condition as being inflamed. Chronic inflammation can cause the spine and other joints to gradually fuse, reducing flexibility and range of motion and producing pain and stiffness. Although the precise origin of ankylosing spondylitis is not entirely understood, hereditary factors are thought to be a major contributing factor. Although not everyone who carries the HLA-B27 gene will get AS, this gene is highly related with the condition. Its onset is also influenced by immune system issues and environmental factors. From mild to severe, AS symptoms might differ greatly from person to person. Consistent back pain and stiffness are typical symptoms, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. These symptoms may get better with exercise and go worse with rest. A person's ability to stand up straight might be hampered over time by the inflammation and eventual fusion of the vertebrae, which can result in a stooped or slumped posture. Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as Bechterew's disease, has the potential to cause joint degeneration and is a chronic condition that can have a substantial influence on a person's quality of life. Early detection, thorough medical management, and a multidisciplinary strategy combining rheumatologists, physical therapists, and other medical specialists can support patients in managing the illness successfully, reducing symptoms, and enhancing their general health.
