Patient's question:
I am 53 years old. Recently, as I have gotten older, I have been experiencing leg pain. I have previously visited an immunology department, but the results were not significant. I have taken both Chinese and Western medicine, and especially when the weather changes, I feel uncomfortable. Could you please tell me what the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are?Doctor's answer:
Some patients may exhibit mild systemic symptoms in the early stages, such as fatigue, weight loss, prolonged or intermittent low fever, anorexia, and mild anemia. Due to the mild condition, most patients are not detected early. The most typical symptom is morning stiffness, which improves after activity. Other symptoms include low fever, fatigue, and anorexia. If left untreated and uncontrolled in the later stages, it can affect local motor function, leading to impaired daily living abilities. It is important to avoid heavy lifting to prevent the condition from worsening and to avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods.Infections of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts often trigger spondylitis, so it is essential to pay attention to dietary hygiene, drink plenty of water, and consume more vegetables and fruits. Avoid holding urine and defecation for prolonged periods.