Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Reiter's Syndrome: Treatment & Monitoring

Reiter's Syndrome

Alternate Names : Reactive Arthritis

Reiter's Syndrome | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


What are the treatments for the condition?

When Reiter's syndrome is first diagnosed, a short period of bed rest may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. The healthcare provider may then recommend strengthening and range-of-motion exercises .

Following are some of the medications used to treat Reiter's syndrome:

  • antibiotics to treat the underlying infection that triggered Reiter's syndrome
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, to help control joint pain
  • corticosteroids injected into the joints to control the swelling and pain
  • corticosteroid ointments applied to skin lesions
  • medications, such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine, to suppress the immune system response
  • What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Antibiotics may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and allergic reaction. NSAIDs can cause stomach upset and allergic reactions. Steroids may cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of infection.

    What happens after treatment for the condition?

    Arthritis symptoms may continue for up to six months. Most people recover in 2 to 16 weeks, but some have recurrent flare-ups and remissions.

    How is the condition monitored?

    Repeated physical examinations and blood tests help monitor Reiter's syndrome. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.


    Previous section

     

    Next section

    Reiter's Syndrome: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Reiter's Syndrome: Attribution

    Author: Bill Harrison, MD
    Reviewer: Barbara Mallari, RN, BSN, PHN
    Date Reviewed: 08/06/01









    Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

    Copyright © 2006 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
    About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
    Contact Us | Link to Us

    HONcode accreditation seal.

    We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


    The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
    Page Last Updated: 30th May, 2006