Reactive arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a recent infection with joint pain and swelling. The child has recovered from the infection and, several weeks later, develops the signs of arthritis. This condition was previously called Reiter syndrome.
Reactive Arthritis Symptoms
Reactive Arthritis Symptoms
Symptoms of reactive arthritis usually appear within four to six weeks after an infection. This often happens after the infection has been resolved completely.
The symptoms of reactive arthritis include:
- Arthritis
- Joint swelling and pain
- Joint stiffness
- Joint redness
- Pain that is out of proportion to what is showing on an exam (for instance, there is only a little swelling but a lot of pain)
Diagnosis of Reactive Arthritis (Reiter Syndrome)
Diagnosis of Reactive Arthritis (Reiter Syndrome)
Pediatric rheumatologists diagnose reactive arthritis primarily by ruling out other conditions that could be causing the symptoms. The doctor must rule out:
- Current infection
- Malignancies (such as tumors) that can cause arthritis
- Other autoimmune diseases that can cause chronic arthritis
To diagnose reactive arthritis, your child’s rheumatologist will likely run a blood test to check for:
- Signs of previous or present infection
- Joint inflammation
- Antibodies related to other types of arthritis
- A genetic link
If your child’s doctor suspects reactive arthritis, he or she may also recommend taking fluid out of the affected joint and testing it for white blood cell count, infection or uric acid crystals.
Reactive arthritis is a fairly common type of inflammatory arthritis in children. It is important that a pediatric rheumatologist properly diagnose and treat your child for this condition.
Treatment
Treatment
Your child’s doctor will likely prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the symptoms of reactive arthritis. The symptoms of reactive arthritis usually go away after about six weeks with treatment.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Symptoms of reactive arthritis generally occur four to six weeks after a child has recovered from an infection.
- Your child’s doctor will need to rule out other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of reactive arthritis before making a correct diagnosis of this condition.
- Reactive arthritis is a fairly common form of arthritis in children and usually goes away in about six weeks with proper treatment.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about reactive arthritis and Reiter syndrome.
We offer a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
The American College of Rheumatology provides education and support for patients and families living with reactive arthritis.