4 Unusual Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

[KeithD]

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, but can also affect other parts of the body. Here are four unusual symptoms of AS:

1. Eye inflammation (iritis or uveitis): Inflammation of the iris (iritis) or the middle layer of the eye (uveitis) is a common but often overlooked symptom of AS. This can cause eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
   
2. Fatigue: Fatigue is a common but often under-reported symptom of AS. It can be a result of the physical strain of the disease, as well as the mental and emotional stress of living with a chronic illness.
   
3. Breathing difficulties: AS can affect the ribs, causing them to fuse and restrict lung expansion. This can result in difficulty breathing, especially during exercise.
   
4. Heart and circulatory issues: AS can also cause inflammation in the aorta, which is the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This can lead to heart and circulatory issues, such as an enlarged aorta or an increased risk of aortic dissection.