One becomes tired soon often when he has Fatigue. Fatigue occurs when the level of one's physical and mental burden eventually leads to a temporary imbalance of physical and mental functions. Many factors lead to fatigue, such as stress, lack of rest, overwork, over-study and immoderate use of the brain. Fatigue will quicken the process of growing old.

The accumulation of cholesterol, lactic acid, free fatty acid over the years in our body also contributes to fatigue and aging. These acids are normally discharged from the body through the kidney and the pores. Unfortunately, people today do not drink enough water and spend too much time in an air-conditioned environment. Exercise is also neglected and we seldom sweat.

This unhealthy lifestyle increases the burden of the kidney. The ideal was Yours faithfully expelling excess acidic components is through the skin which will in turn reduce pressure on the kidneys. When acidic components and toxin are eliminated from the body's system, one will feel healthier and fresher as body fatigue will also be discharged.

Far Infra Red products are the best way of relieving tension primarily because the rays invigorate and improve blood circulation and enhance all functions of organs to ensure that all acidic components are ridden from the human body. Far Infrared products such as T-shirt and Bedsheet are designed to enhance the sweating process. The process is similar to that of sauna, which leaves the body fresher and 'lighter'. In countries like Japan, Korea and China, Far Infra Red sauna box is commonly used for the entire family's convenience. Most ailments such as headache, arm-ache, lumbago, waist-ache and leg-ache are associated with fatigue of the body. The usage of Far Infra Red Rays products will in the long-term prove useful in preventing fatigue and related body aches, while contribute to improving the skin texture.

Far Infra Red products are excellent for reducing inflammation and easing pain. This includes normal inflammation, swollen joints, headache, toothache, leg-ache and stomachache.

Inflammation in our body is characterized by redness, swelling, heat and pain. These symptoms are caused by the human self-defense system whereby once a part of our body is 'excited', it will fill up with blood, swell and heat up. The sensation of pain is actually a natural reaction of the human body towards certain 'excitement'.

How Does Far Infra Red Rays reduce inflammation and ease pain?

From the viewpoint of the practitioner of Chinese medicine, Far Infra Red Rays are able to invigorate the circulation of blood and reduce phlegm. From the viewpoint of Western doctors, Far Infra Red Rays successfully accelerate blood circulation and strengthen body resistance. This helps to reduce inflammation and as a result pain will ease.

What is a suitable product to be used?

Almost everybody experiences headaches every now and then. Headaches are symptoms of various ailments. There are far too many reasons causing headaches. These reasons can be divided into the following categories:

Long-term use of Far Infra Red products will maintain the stability of blood flow in the brain and prevent tension of the blood vessels. At the same time, normal circulation of blood in the brain will deliver sufficient nutrients and oxygen, thus helping to reduce fatigue and stress.

The Far Infra Red Pillow Pad, Socks and Shoe-pad are highly recommended to address headaches. Although there is a distance between the head and toe, acupoint and passages through which vital energy circulates are connected to each other.

Patients facing frequent headaches are advised to lead a systematic lifestyle, maintain a positive mood and try to stay calm and happy. Liquor, chocolates and coffee should be avoided while intake of vegetables and fruits increased. Patients should also ensure sufficient sleep and rest.

Far Infrared products can definitely help to lower high blood pressure gradually.

First of all, let us define what is high blood pressure. Ordinary human beings have a blood pressure of approximately 120/80 mmHg. When this figure goes above 140 mmHg or the diastolic end of the blood pressure rises above 90 mmHg is known as high blood pressure.

Of course, this varies according to the different ages of man. In most cases, the older the person, his normal blood pressure is higher whereas if he is younger, his blood pressure is then much lower.

There are many reasons that lead to abnormally high blood pressure in a person. The most common is when the tiny arteries start to shrink and become narrower due to clogging along his blood circulation. Clogging in the blood circulation happens when our cholesterol level is high. This will invariably lead to an increase in the person's blood pressure. Other factors are when blood vessels start to lose its elasticity or when he has kidney problems. When we become emotionally unstable due to external pressure, this toll will cause us to have high blood pressure.

When a high blood pressure patient uses Far Infrared products, the rays will change the elasticity of the blood vessels, dredge the vessels and improves the viscosity of the blood so that there will be a smoother flow along the blood circulation.

Far Infrared T-shirt, Brief and Mattress will aid the high blood pressure patient. However, please bear in mind that Far Infrared products only act as a complementary health product. It is not a substitute for living a healthy lifestyle complete with guidance from doctors. We need to discover the root of high blood pressure, as it is not disease on its own but a mere symptom.

Certainly you can also use the Far Infrared products. There is no conflict with the earlier explanation to address high blood pressure. Far Infrared products resolve blood pressure problems specific to patients.

Low blood pressure refers to blood pressure of certain people, which is lower than the normal level. As a general guide, blood level below 90/60 mmHg is low blood pressure. For some people, it is normal to experience temporary low blood pressure.

Low blood pressure patients normally lose weight, experience nervousness, lack of appetite, cold hands and legs and dizziness. Low blood pressure problems could be inherited or caused by lack of blood.

Low blood pressure patients experience contraction of the blood vessels which causes problems to blood circulation in the body. The use of Far Infrared products such as mattress, brief and T-shirt will expand contracted vessels, improve blood circulation and strengthen the function of the heart. It also improves the production of hormone and enzyme in our body. As a result, Far Infrared Rays held balance the temperature of the body to adjust blood pressure to a normal level.

Again, it is important to consult doctors to determine the actual reasons behind the low blood pressure as a basis for proper treatment.

Diabetes is caused by problems in the pancreas. The smallest unit in a pancreas is the pancreas islet, which products a type of hormone named insulin, needed to transform the glucose in the blood into singular sugar form which can be easily absorbed by body structures and cells. If the insulin produced is insufficient due to problems of the pancreas, glucose content in the human blood will increase, some of which is expelled through urine. This condition is called diabetes.

There are two common types of diabetes. The first type relies entirely on injection of insulin while the second type does not. The latter type is a better position than the first.

Diabetes patients are easily thirsty, urinate more (especially at night), suffer from dry skin, itchiness, lack of appetite, a weak body and fatigue. The more serious diabetes patients may suffer from weak eyesight, abnormal nervous system, risk of high blood pressure, kidney problems and damaged limbs.

To control diabetes, one has to monitor the level of sugar in daily meals to lower the level of blood sugar and protect the function of the pancreas islet. Instead of relying solely on injected insulin, Far Infrared Rays help to improve the functions of the pancreas islet to increase the production of insulin and dilute the concentration of blood sugar.

The diabetes patients may use the Far Infrared Belt (to be fastened on the upper part of the stomach), mattress (or bedsheet) or T-shirt. These products should be used for long-term benefits. Besides usage of the products, it is necessary for diabetes patients to watch their diet and reduce the intake of sugar, exercise more, stop smoking, drink plenty of water (bio-ceramic active water) to dilute the blood and eliminate the acidic components left over by the process of catabolism of sugar in the body.

Stroke is caused by:

1. High Blood Pressure.
2. High content of ester in the blood which causes thicker and 'sticky' blood and agglutination of blood cells which leads to the formation of "Thrombus".
3. High cholesterol content in blood.
4. Elasticity of blood vessel is reduced or lost.
5. Tension, over-exhaustion, smoking, drinking.

The combination of these factors causes part of the blood vessels in our body (mainly in the brain) to clog and causes blood circulation to stop. This causes part of the brain components to lack in blood and eventually lose its functions leading to paralysis and loss of speech. This is called cerebral apoplexy. It normally occurs suddenly although symptoms would have started in our body for a long time.

It is imperative to consult a doctor immediately. Once the situation has been controlled and the patient is in the process of recovery, Far Infrared products may be used to treat "the sequel of cerebral apoplexy" such as paralysis. Products include bedsheet, pillow pad, T-shirt and brief. One also has to take basic action to treat the problem, for instance drinking a large quantity of bio-ceramic active water, monitor daily meals, reduce consumption of high fat and high cholesterol food, consume more fruits and vegetables and to abstain from all unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcoholic drinking.

Taking precaution is utmost important. To reduce chances of stroke affliction, one has to check blood pressure regularly. If blood pressure is too high, immediate treatment or health care should be taken.

Stop smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, reduce cholesterol and fat in daily food and strengthen body build up.

One way is to use Far Infrared products such as Waist Belt, Bedsheet, T-shirt and frequent drinking of Far Infrared Active Water which keeps the blood pressure at a normal level. Far Infrared products will keep your micro-circulatory system functioning properly.

Cancer patients can certainly use Far Infrared products. However, we must bear in mind that these products do not provide direct treatment to the cancer, but should be used as a form of remedy against the disease under doctor's recommendation.

Cancer patients normally need to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy, radioactive, surgery and herbal treatment. It is during these periods that Far Infrared Rays will be very helpful in treating the patient as these treatments render the body's immune system and micro-circulation to be less effective.

The two different types of cancer patients are those who fear that usage of Far Infrared products will only aggravate their illness (point will be discussed below) and those who are constantly trying out any health products as a hope that it will treat their cancer.

Both attitudes towards their ailments are not encouraged because modern medical science has made it possible for us to have high hopes that this disease will be treated. So have faith in medical science and doctors.

Coming to the point, it must be understood that cancer cells are entirely different from the normal cells in a healthy body. Far Infrared Rays will not have the same effect on these cancerous cells as they have on our healthy cells. On the contrary, exposure to the rays will actually cause the cancer cells to be destroyed and prevented in their growth. It must also be remembered that because Far Infrared Rays enhance the metabolism process in your body, this will improve the immune system, thus, your body is strengthened against the ravaging cancer cells.

Far Infrared products recommended for cancer patients are the Mattress, brief and T-shirts. It will be more effective when used alongside other products like the CHITOSAN or Chitosan Soap.

Definitely. Far Infrared Rays have been proven to be harmless to anyone. Even the fetus growing inside the womb will benefit from being exposed to the Far Infrared Rays. This is simply because the rays improve the metabolism of the mother which in turn enables the fetus to absorb more nutrients and develops at a better rate.

Therefore, there is absolutely no worry that exposure to the rays will bring any side effects.

It is a very common thing for men to suffer from swollen or inflammation of the prostate gland and prostate gland cancer as they are related diseases.

We know that the prostate gland is the organ responsible for the production of male semen. During sexual intercourse, he prostate gland expands due to an increase in the supply of blood before ejaculation occurs. If the blood supply to the prostate gland is consistently high, this will lead to clotting of the blood in the blood vessels, thus causing it to swell permanently. When the swollen prostate gland presses against the urethra, various symptoms of difficulty in urination will occur. An unhealthy sexual life will also cause inflammation of the prostate gland brings about its swelling.

As those suffering from swelling of the prostate gland will face difficulties in the excretion of urine, excess urine will remain inside the gland. This could sometimes lead to the inability to urinate at all. This will certainly affect a person's sexual abilities and causes premature ejaculation and even impotence.

As this is mainly due to the blood in the prostate gland being clogged up, an improved blood circulation will certainly help. The simplest and most effective method of treatment is by wearing the Far Infrared Brief.

As piles is a very common ailment regardless of your age, sex or health condition, the Far Infrared Brief is extremely useful in the prevention of this disease. Piles develop around the anus when the veins expand when there is increase pressure in the intestinal canals and abdominal cavity is developed through various ways such as:

• Stools were discharged in a stressful way.
• Body undergoes too much pressure during childbirth
• Obesity
• Lack of blood circulation due to long period of immobility or lack of exercise.

When the human body is subjected in the above manners, these will lead to greater pressure upon the anal vein.

Piles are either internal, external or both. Whichever way, this causes great discomfort around the anal. When passing out stools, there will most likely be blood as well.

Far Infrared Rays help in improving blood circulation, which will remove the blood clots from the anal region. In turn, this causes the piles to shrink and eventually disappear altogether.

Kidney problems have symptoms such as extremely yellowed urine, pain in the kidneys, lack of energy and appetite, inability to sleep comfortably and general body ache. This is due to the inability of the glomerulus inside our kidneys to discharge acidic and waste components left inside our body.

Over 70% of waste are discharged from our body through the kidney. The glomerulus is the last part of our micro-circulation system. With blood circulation, all the waste and toxins enter the ureter where it will be discharged in urine form.

Far Infrared Rays will successfully activate the glomerulus, which aids in the discharging of all waste from our body.

Kidney patients are encouraged to use the Far Infrared Bedsheet, T-shirt, Belt and Brief frequently in daily life. For those without any kidney problems, you can always make use of the Far Infrared products to prevent any kidney problems.

Goutyarthritis happens in our body's joints as a result of the accumulation of uric acids. Parts of our body generally affected are the knee joint, hand, elbow and leg.

Uric acid is a part of our blood. It is a form of waste produced during our body's metabolism process, which is discharged through the kidney in the form of urine. Because some of us have far too much uric acid in our body, the kidney is unable to discharge all of it and it subsequently enters into our muscles and joints. Sometimes, the uric acid also converts into a form of crystal in the joints, causing much pain for the person and limiting the use of his limbs. Thus, the patient will require comprehensive health treatment.

Far Infrared products such as the mattress, T-shirt, belt, elbow brace, wrist band and knee brace will be very useful for the patient. Not only will these products reduce the pain in the joints, but will help to eliminate the amount of uric acid in the body.

Advice for Goutyarthritis patients includes:

1. Take lots of fresh vegetables and fruits.
2. Reduce meat intake and certainly no liquor.
3. Take at least 2 liters of water daily.
4. Sufficient rest.

Rheumatism has certain similarities with Goutyarthritis. Rheumatism happens when the synovia membrane is inflamed. The articular cavity becomes swollen makes the muscles cramp, causing patients much discomfort and pain.

The best cure in modern medicine is the Aspirinum and steroid (such as cortison) etc. Ways to help a person suffering from rheumatism:

1. Make use of Far Infrared products such as the mattress, the knee brace, the elbow brace, brief, T-shirt and socks.
2. Drink a lot of water.
3. Suitable exercises and brisk walks.
4. Adequate rest and nutrition.

Spur is an ailment known as Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in the joint deteriorates and gradually becomes thinner. Spurs will then begin to grow at the surroundings of the joint or on certain bones, most of which are caused by an injury or wound.

It may take several years before symptoms of spurs take place. When this happens, the patients will suffer much pain and encounter difficulties in movements because the spur is pressing against the nervous system, which causes numbness in the limbs. This might lead not just to muscle cramps, but even death.

Physiotherapy will certainly help in reducing the pain. Far Infrared products are also beneficial to the suffering patient. Other ways he should take to reduce spurs are:

• Adequate nutrition but ensure not to overeat as this will add pressure to your bones.
• Exercising the joints.
• Sufficient rest.
• Avoid sleeping on soft mattress.
• Keep a proper posture at all times. Physically, all the organs in the chest cavity and abdominal cavity are located on the spine. When our posture is incorrect, this adds more pressure upon the bones, joints and muscles. Proper postures are good not just for your health, but at the same time, will enable you to feel more confident.

The problem is named as such because it normally occurs when a person reaches the age of forty or fifty. Some refer to it as "Frozen Shoulder".

It is in fact arthritis, where most of the patients suffer numbness or pain or rigidity in the back bone of the neck, shoulders and back of the body. In serious cases, the patients cannot even raise their hands.

The pain is most acute when going to bed every night whereby patients cannot fall asleep.

This is a chronic disease which is not easy to be cured.

However, Far Infrared products are helpful to patients. The penetration of Far Infrared Rays into the joints of shoulders will cause heat reaction which extends into the inner part of the joints and helps to improve blood circulation to promote self-recovery.

In order to achieve this, patients have to be patient and use products such as:

1. The Far Infrared T-shirt.
2. The Far Infrared Mattress and Pillow Pad.

Asthma is a chronic disease. The main symptoms are coughing, difficulty in breathing and wheezing. Most patients are children.

Asthma occurs when the airway is excited by certain factors, which leads to its contraction thus causing difficulty in breathing. There is a type of inhaler in the market which helps patients recover from asthma attack. The inhaler causes the airway to dilate and the breathing passage to open.

Many factors lead to asthma. It is considered an allergic disease. Anything, which is sensitive to the body, will cause asthma. When the immunology functions of the body do not function properly or is weak, asthma may also occur.

One popular olden custom to solve this problem is by drinking a lot of warm water or by inhaling the steam of boiling water. The reason behind this is that steam entering the lung will expand the narrow bronchus.

Far Infrared Health products will be able to help you in treating the problem of asthma.

The methods:

1. Always wear the Far Infrared T-shirt, especially when sleeping at night, for a long-term.
2. Wear the Far Infrared Sun Beads at the chest. The position should be right at the middle of both nipples.
3. Wear the Far Infrared Sun Beads at the chest and massage the breast bone softly every day for 15-20 minutes.

More importantly, one should pinpoint the factors, which are sensitive to the body and try to avoid them.

The common factors include: perfume, cosmetics, detergents, hair spray, pets at home especially the dropping fur of cats and dogs and dust. Even dirty carpets and air-conditioner may cause sensitivity.

When a person reaches middle-age, the problem of numbness at the upper limbs often occurs. Sometimes, it occurs along with numbness or pain at the back of the neck.

Many times this caused by the growth of cartilage.

The growth of cartilage at cervical spine will cause the spinal cavity to be narrower which adds pressure to the nerves. In actual fact, these nerves will be connected to the upper limbs, the forearm and the end of fingers. When these nerves are under pressure, numbness occurs followed by pain. Some also name this as "problem of the cervical spine".

At a certain age, lack of exercise at the cervical spine, fatigue or injury, will also lead to the growth of cartilage at the cervical spine.

There is no special way to treat this problem but you can always exercise the cervical spine so that the spinal cavity of the cervical spine expands in order to relieve symptoms.

An effective way to prevent this problem is by using the Far Infrared Mattress and Pillow-Pad for long-term which help to improve blood circulation, enable body to move actively and prevent the growth of cartilage.

For patients, you can also always make use of the pillow pad and bedsheet to reduce symptoms and help absorb the cartilage and speed up recovery.

Another alternative is by wearing the Far Infrared Collar T-shirt, that is to imprint Far Infrared Rays material on the collar of shirt and wear it regularly to speed up recovery.

Many women suffer from Dysmenorrhea especially the unmarried. The Far Infrared Brief is a solution.

Upon reaching a certain age, women have menses which come in cycles of approximately 28 days. During the menstrual period which normally covers between 3-5 days, about 70-100 cc of blood is discharged.

Some women experience pains and convulsions which even spreads to the back or thighs. Other symptoms suffered include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, especially during the first 24 hours of its arrival at each cycle.

Whereas the initial pain of menstruation is mainly due to lack of blood in the womb or proper nutrients, continuous pain is caused by other ailments. If our blood circulation is improved and contraction in the womb is strengthened, Dysmenorrhea can be overcome.

Thus, bio-ceramic products such as the Far Infrared Brief and Bedsheet will help in improving blood circulation and expand the blood vessels in the lower stomach. Sometimes, it takes only a month of usage before one finds Dysmenorrhea reduced.

Leukorrhea is white secretion, which are discharged from the vagina of women under normal circumstances. Sometimes, the secretion appears in yellow or red and emits a foul odor.

Normal secretion is slightly acidic in nature. When it is infected by bacteria, the colour then changes. This condition can lead to itchiness in the vagina area and sometimes the labia will also be swollen.

When this occurs, the vagina should be cleaned regularly with clean water and soap. One also needs to maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate nutrition, water and rest. Moreover, your sex companion's personal hygiene is important, too. The Far Infrared Ladies' Brief will certainly help by improving blood circulation. The Far Infrared Bio-12 also helps. However, should one has trichomonas vaginitis, only a doctor can provide help.

Lumbago is very common, especially among the elderly. Reasons of Lumbago are:

1. Frequent bending of the waist and maintaining a certain posture, which leads to the hardening of the muscles.
2. Mothers catching colds during their pregnancy.
3. Problems of the position of the womb, such as hypsokinesis and low position.
4. Prolapse of womb.
5. Abnormal menstruation.
6. Ovarian neoplasm. Hydatoncus.
7. Spinal disease, cartilage grown at sacrum or synchondrosis.
8. Fallopian tube disease.

The above factors cause long-term Lumbago. Some can be treated by medical doctors, other through treatment.

Health cares that are recommended:

1. Make full se of the Far Infrared Waist Belt.
2. Use the Far Infrared Mattress
3. Far Infrared Brief.
4. Take sufficient Far Infrared Active Water.
5. Sufficient nutrition and rest.
6. Increase exercises such as walking, jogging etc.
7. Most importantly, consult your doctor to determine the source of your Lumbago.

Our body contain lots of blood vessels, sweat glands and glandula integumentaria in our skin. If they are not stimulated, sebum will remain in the skin. This leads to the growth of blackheads and herpes. Without good blood circulation, skin cells will lack sufficient nutrients brought by blood vessels and this leads to dryness of the skin and lack of elasticity.

By using Far Infrared Cosmetics, blood circulation of the skin will be improved, enhancing greatly the metabolism of the body and in turn, will keep the skin smooth and silky, wrinkle-free.

The human skin has a very complicated structure. It is made of the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. There are also countless blood vessels, sweat glands, hair and glandula sebacea.

We experience different changes as we age. As a child, our skin is very soft and delicate. When we reach our teenage years, our hormones become very active, producing vast amounts of sebum. If our skin is not taken care, bacteria will develop and cause outbreaks of pimples and acne.

When we reach adulthood, the secretion from the glandula sebacea is reduced, thus, wrinkles will form due to the lack of sebum. When microcirculation of the skin decreases, there will be less nutrients reaching our skin causing dryness where we begin to see the effects of aging.

Unhealthy habits such as smoking, or frequent exposure to the sun and rain also contribute to the aging process. Also, because our metabolism slows down as we age, cells do not regenerate as often and as frequently as before. This causes blockage to our skin pores, leading to development of blackheads and freckles. In order to maintain good skin, we should use suitable skin care products.

Far Infrared Cosmetics recommended are the Far Infrared Chitosan Soap, Far Infrared Hand and Body Lotion, Far Infrared Hair-care system and Far Infrared Hair Cream. You are encouraged to use these products along with the Far Infrared Mattress and Pillow pad for better results.

CONYBIO PACK is exclusively made of far-infrared rays ceramics and non - toxic plastic compound. The far-infrared rays activates the molecules of food hence enhancing their freshness making them more exquisite and delicious. For example, far-infrared rays are effective in prolonging the photosynthesis of green vegetable and improving their taste, reducing protein into essential amino acids.

Enhancing the flavor of alcoholic drinks through oxidizing actions, and breaking down large molecules of polysaccharides to fore glucose and maltose for easier assimilation by the body.

CONYBIO PACK can be cleaned for repeated long term use. This will not only help to cut down unnecessary expenses, but also reduce the amount of plastic wastes and promote significantly to environmental protection.

When CONYBIO PACK is damaged due to tear and wear, it can still be kept in the refrigerator to remove odor.

use CONYBIO PACK to seal up vegetables, fruits, alcoholic drinks and other types of food. Keep in a refrigerator or a cool storage.

Effective in preserving the freshness of food 2-3 times longer than plastic bags, and 4-5 times longer than ordinary paper boxes.

* Preserves freshness of food.

* Prevents bacterial growth and removes odor.

* Improves the taste and flavor of food.

* Prolongs storage time.

Although this is an unlikely situation, certain people may be overcome by tension or the products may take some time getting used to.

Under normal circumstances, we are used to our daily routine and familiar belongings such as our clothes, bed and shoes. Upon shifting to Far Infrared products, which emit heat that is circulated in your body, you will feel warm and initial discomfort. This is the normal effect of the rays whereby your blood circulates faster. Certain people may need time adapting to a new bedsheet and the idea of Far Infrared Rays and so fail to sleep properly.

It should be noted that such a condition is very temporary. Far Infrared products should be treated like any other products used in daily life. Take it easy, live your life as normal and you will soon enjoy the benefits of Far Infrared products and sleep better than ever.

WHAT IS ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic disease that causes arthritis of the spine and sacroiliac joints and can cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs, and heart valves. It varies from intermittent episodes of back pain that occur throughout life to a severe chronic disease that attacks the spine, peripheral joints and other body organs, resulting in severe joint and back stiffness, loss of motion and deformity as life progresses.

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS is a member of the family of diseases that attack the spine called spondylarthropathies. In addition to ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS, these diseases include Reiter’s syndrome, some cases of psoriatic arthritis and the arthitis of inflammatory bowel disease.

CAUSE

The cause of ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS is not known, but all of the spondylarthropathies share a common genetic marker, called HLA-B27, in most affected individuals. In some cases, the disease occurs in these predisposed people after exposure to bowel or urinary tract infections.

HEALTH IMPACT

• ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS afflicts an estimated 129 out of 100,000 people in the United States.
• ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS typically strikes adolescents and young adult males.
• The prevalence of ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS varies by ethnic group and is most common in Native Americans.

DIAGNOSIS

Delayed diagnosis is common because symptoms are often attributed to more common back problems. A dramatic loss of flexibility in the lumbar spine is an early sign of ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS. Although most symptoms begin in the lumbar and sacroiliac areas, they may involve the neck and upper back as well. Arthritis may also occur in the shoulder, hips and feet. Some patients have eye inflammation, and more severe cases must be observed for heart valve involvement.

At times, ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS may presage the development of inflammatory bowel disease, and some patients have fever, fatigue, weight loss, anemia, eye inflammation (called iritis), and more severe cases may involve heart valve dysfunction. Other disorders of the internal organs and bones mimic spondylarthropathies and must be distinguished. Laboratory evaluation may reveal an elevated sedimentation rate (an indicator of inflammation), anemia and a positive HLA-B27 assay. X-rays and bone scans may show characteristic changes.

TREATMENT

The severity of joint involvement and the degree of systemic symptoms vary greatly from one individual to another. Early, accurate diagnosis and therapy may minimize years of pain and disability.

Medical treatment consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Indomethacin is most effective, while sulfasalazine may benefit those with more severe involvement. Peripheral joint arthritis may respond to methotrexate.

Rehabilitation therapies are essential. Proper sleep and walking positions, coupled with abdominal and back exercises, help maintain posture. Exercises help maintain joint flexibility. Breathing exercises enhance lung capacity, and swimming provides aerobic exercise. Even with optimal treatment, some people will develop a stiff or "ankylosed" spine, but they will remain functional if this fusion occurs in an upright position. Continuing care is critical. ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS is a lifelong problem and people often fail to continue treatment, in which case permanent posture and mobility losses occur.