Allergies can manifest themselves in more than just itching and rashes on the skin. Exist different shapes allergic reactions that affect internal organs or, for example, joints.

This inflammatory lesion joints, which is based on the reaction of the body, namely - immune system– on any substances or cells. This could be medicine, food, chemical compounds, viruses, bacteria, protozoa and other agents.

Often, the allergic type of arthritis develops in people with existing other joint pathologies and is one of the forms of the next exacerbation of the disease. Allergic arthropathy is most common in women and in.

childhood

Etiology: what are the causes?

The disease is based on hypersensitivity to certain substances. Depending on the allergen, allergic and infectious-allergic arthritis are distinguished. Causes allergic form

arthritis are varied.

• Internal:
• Effects of serum administered as disease prevention. It triggers the production of special cells in the human body, and the immune system can recognize them as foreign, activating inflammation (post-immunization arthritis).

• Lack or excess of vitamin D or A; trace elements: silicon, copper, selenium or zinc.
• food (most often milk, eggs, pork, cod, grains);
• cosmetics, household chemicals;
• medicines;
• harmful industrial fumes, air pollution;
• animal hair;

pollen. Other causes include physical factors - burns, frostbite, trauma, severe stress

. That is, any impact that can lead to a sharp change in the functioning of the immune system. On a note!

The medical history of a person with allergic arthritis often includes bronchial asthma, intolerance to some medicine or product.

When pathogenic microorganisms become provocateurs of inflammation, they speak of infectious-allergic arthritis. More often than others, the reaction is caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and tuberculosis bacillus, streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria, and gonococcus.

• People at risk for developing infectious-allergic arthritis include:
• cancer patients;
• with red systemic lupus and sickle cell anemia;
• HIV-infected people;
• diabetics;
• with injuries or after joint surgery;
• suffering from drug or alcohol addiction;
• suffer from STDs and are active sex life without means of preventing sexually transmitted infections.

ICD 10 code

IN international classification diseases allergic arthritis is assigned the number M13.8. Regarding the infectious nature of arthritis, there are a number of codes depending on the type of infection. For example:

• M03.0* – arthritis after meningococcal infection;
• M03.1* – arthropathy after syphilis;
• M36.4* – arthritis due to hypersensitivity reactions;
• M02.2 – post-immunization arthropathy;
• and many others.

Symptoms in adults and children (photos)

Clinical manifestations of allergic arthritis develop immediately after contact with the allergen or after 7-10 days. Main symptom– pain in one or more joints. It varies in intensity.

. That is, any impact that can lead to a sharp change in the functioning of the immune system. Pain with arthritis is special in that it intensifies either after long-term condition resting or staying in an uncomfortable position, or with heavy loads on the joint.

On early stages Allergic arthritis can only make itself felt in the joints of the fingers and toes. And only later, when the disease takes a chronic form, larger joints begin to hurt - knees, pelvis, ankle, elbows, shoulders and sometimes the spine. This is observed mainly in the rheumatoid form.

Often, especially when sudden reaction to an allergen in children, it is the large joints of the skeleton that hurt – the knees and pelvis. With the infectious nature of arthritis, the synovial membrane of the joint becomes inflamed, and the x-ray may not show changes in the cartilaginous and.

bone tissue

• Other symptoms that may appear in both children and adults:
• stiffness of joints, restriction in movements;
• hypersensitivity of the skin over the joint and increased local temperature;
• swelling, swelling, redness;
• weight loss, fatigue;

feverish condition. Nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, itching and skin rash may also occur. The acute process is accompanied by a sharp and rapid swelling

fabrics. Attention! Dangerous allergic conditions are angioedema and bronchospasm. They demand immediate medical care , use of antihistamines and urgent elimination

Unlike other types of arthritis, allergic joints begin to hurt precisely after contact with an allergen - taking a certain food or medicine, etc. Over time, arthritis associated with allergies can cause deformations and displacements in the joints.

Selected varieties

Let's look at the common types of allergic arthropathy.

Toxic-allergic

This type of arthritis affects several joints at once and is considered polyarthritis. It can be caused by infections and serious illnesses:

• brucellosis;
• tuberculosis;
• gonorrhea and other STIs;
• respiratory tract infections;
• intestinal diseases.

Pathogenic pathogens penetrate the joint cavity and provoke an active immune response in the form of inflammation.

Reactive arthritis and allergies

This type is a sudden inflammation of the joints, which occurs 2-4 weeks after suffering an acute genitourinary or intestinal infection. It can also be associated with an immune reaction after influenza, tuberculosis or vaccination. The cause of joint damage is not provoked by the direct action of a pathogen (bacteria or virus), but by the activity of an antigen (immune system complex).

Rheumatoid lesion

Feature of allergic rheumatoid arthritis is that it affects small joints on the hands and feet. The mechanism of its development is complex and is often associated with the pathological activity of several antibodies at once. Among them are rheumatoid factor and immune complex, related to the fight against allergen. That is, the immune system is simultaneously mistakenly “tuned” against its own tissues in the joint and against the substance that caused the allergic reaction.

Treatment of infectious-allergic arthritis

The approach should be comprehensive and include several groups of drugs.

Acute form

To stop an allergy attack in and around the joint, as well as relieve inflammation and suppress the activity of pathogenic microbes, use:

• Antihistamines - examples: Suprastin, Diazolin, Tavegil, Loratadine;
• Antibiotics – Penicillin, Erythromycin, Ampicillin or others as prescribed by a doctor;
• Anti-inflammatory drugs from the NSAID group - Diclofenac, Indomethacin, Ibuprofen.

The doctor may prescribe steroid medications. They have a lot side effects and they should be taken in strict accordance with medical prescriptions.

Help with chronic conditions

Protracted form of arthritis of infectious-allergic origin is also treated. However, the underlying disease most often is rheumatoid or infectious joint damage. And allergies only appear during periods of exacerbation. Therefore, treatment of the chronic form is most often aimed at destroying the source of infection, relieving pain and inflammation in the joint tissues. For this purpose, antibiotics, NSAIDs, and glucocorticoids are used.

. That is, any impact that can lead to a sharp change in the functioning of the immune system. The doctor may prescribe physiotherapy - hydrogen sulfide, radon baths, balneotherapy. The diet includes avoiding fatty, salty, spicy, spicy foods, alcohol and coffee.

It is necessary to take vitamins and enrich the diet fresh vegetables and fruits, herbs.

How are knee and hip joints treated?

There is no significant difference in the treatment of infectious-allergic arthropathy of the knee, elbow, hip or other joints. However, after examination, a rheumatologist may refer you for arthroscopic sanitation of a large joint. This is mainly used for purulent and necrotic tissue damage. The joint is cleaned mechanically and washed with antiseptics and antibiotic solution.

Watch a video with a periatrician talking about the causes of joint pain in a child.

Therapy of the allergic form itself

For this type of arthritis (that is, when the allergic reaction is not caused by an infection), treatment boils down to the following:

• elimination of the allergen substance;
• reception antihistamines;
• use of glucocorticoids as prescribed;
• at pain syndrome use of analgesics.

fabrics. For severe allergic reaction with damage to the mucous membranes, severe swelling skin and tissue around the joint, take antihistamines and call an ambulance immediately.

Useful video by Dr. Komarovsky

Watch two interesting videos from a famous pediatrician about the manifestations of allergies.

Reaction to vaccinations

Allergy medications

Prognosis and prevention

The success of therapy directly depends on the timeliness of treatment. In more than half of the cases, irreversible destruction of the joint can be avoided. Without treatment or with improper therapy, there is a high risk of loss cartilage tissue, deformations and even fusion of bones.

In addition, any allergy is dangerous due to the development of Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock. If the disease is infectious, the absence qualified assistance can lead to sepsis and death.

Prevention consists of identifying allergens and eliminating contact with them, combating any joint diseases and infections.

Allergic arthritis - acute pathological condition, characterized by changes in joints. This disease is often caused by the progression of allergies to antigens of foreign origin. It differs in that it has an uncomplicated course, is easy to treat and has a favorable prognosis. Along with this disease, infectious-allergic arthritis often manifests itself. It occurs due to the fact that the body is overly susceptible to infectious agents during this period. These are two different disorders with almost identical symptoms and course.

Middle-aged people of both sexes are susceptible to this disease, but it often occurs in women female. Often the disease progresses in children due to an immature immune system. The causes of occurrence are immunity disorders, as a result of which individual immunity and sensitivity develops to certain foods, medications, animal hair, pollen, etc. The infectious-allergic type manifests itself due to the development infectious process in the nasopharynx.

In children and adults, allergic arthritis is expressed by immediate swelling of the joint, pain when moving the limbs, and the appearance of allergic rash And skin itching. With the infectious-allergic type, almost similar symptoms are observed, to which can be added stiffness of movements, increased frequency of heart rate and difficulty breathing.

The diagnosis of both disorders is complex and consists of a detailed interview with the patient, finding out the causes of the disease, examining the patient, laboratory tests, blood tests, and instrumental examination- Ultrasound. Treatment consists of limiting contact with the allergen, taking medications that reduce the intensity of symptoms, and compresses with analgesic ointments.

Etiology

The appearance of allergic arthritis is directly related to the body’s increased susceptibility to foreign proteins, as well as any products containing them. This means that it can be expressed in any type of allergy or be part of a serum sickness, in which a similar immune reaction occurs when serums are administered. Allergic arthritis can occur if an individual is allergic to:

• food product;
• medicine;
• down and feathers;
• harmful industrial fumes, air pollution;
• different smells;
• dust and pollen;
• cosmetics or household chemicals.

If allergens repeatedly enter the body, it produces antibodies to them, which can accumulate in various tissues. When such substances accumulate on the joints, the development of the inflammatory process begins. The disease is often diagnosed in children, because they are much more susceptible to allergies due to immature immunity. With a single hit of the pathogen, the disease will not be expressed.

Factors in the progression of infectious-allergic arthritis are considered to be various infections caused by pathological microorganisms that move with the blood flow to the joints. It is extremely rare that infection occurs after a medical operation. Children are often diagnosed with this disease caused by gonococcal infection, which is transmitted to the baby from the mother. In addition, there are several groups that are at increased risk of developing this disease:

• persons who have received injections or surgical intervention on the joints;
• people who have symptoms of chronic arthritis, oncology, or;
• individuals with unconventional sexual preferences, as well as excessive consumption of alcohol and nicotine.

Symptoms

Allergic arthritis is also expressed as. The disease can develop immediately after the pathogen enters the human body, but often the expression of symptoms occurs several days after penetration. Thus, the signs of this type of disease are:

• general weakness of the body and malaise;
• increased heart rate;
• increased tearfulness;
• increase in body temperature;
• the appearance of a small reddish rash that causes itching and burning;
• an increase in the size of regional lymph nodes, depending on the location of the disease;
• inflammation of large joints, their swelling and pain when moving.

Allergic arthritis in children is manifested by such symptoms as:

• attacks of nausea, which often ends with vomiting;
• diarrhea;
• cardiopalmus;
• swelling of the affected joints;
• intense pain when moving, as well as after a long rest.

Manifestations of infectious-allergic arthritis often resemble symptoms of ordinary arthritis that are not related to infections or allergies. Symptoms of the disease are:

• soreness and swelling skin in the area of ​​the affected joint;
• acquiring a red tint to the skin;
• increased temperature around the affected area;
• rapid pulse;
• difficulty in mobility and stiffness of joints.

In addition to the above symptoms, infectious-allergic arthritis in children is expressed by the following symptoms:

• reduction or total loss appetite;
• constant nervousness and moodiness;
• lameness;
• when performing everyday activities, tries to use the upper limbs as little as possible;
• constant complaints of pain in the arms and legs.

From the moment the first symptoms appear until full recovery about a month passes. The sooner treatment begins, the higher the likelihood of full recovery.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic measures for allergic arthritis include a detailed study of the patient’s life history, a detailed survey about the presence of an allergy that the person knows about, and an assessment of the presence and degree of symptoms. In addition, the doctor at mandatory conducts an examination for the presence of rashes, swelling and redness of the skin at the site of the affected joint. Also important role play laboratory research blood. With allergies, the concentration of eosinophils increases and the ESR accelerates. Joint damage can be detected by ultrasound. If after this the diagnosis is not confirmed, a biopsy is necessary. For infectious-allergic arthritis, the above procedures are also performed.

Treatment

Elimination of allergic arthritis in a patient, regardless of age, is complex and consists of:

• complete protection of a person from exposure to an allergen;
• prescribing antihistamines. If they are ineffective, taking hormones is necessary;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - to relieve intense pain;
• providing complete rest to the affected joints.

Often, once drug treatment is started, all symptoms go away, so the need for physical therapy is extremely rare. The prognosis of the disease is favorable in most cases. Prevention consists of preventing future allergic pathogens from entering the body.

Treatment of infectious-allergic polyarthritis involves the use of the following drugs:

• injection of glucocorticoids directly into the joint;
• anti-inflammatory drugs;
• inhibiting the development of allergic reactions;
• antimicrobial medications;
• antibiotics for no more than ten days.

In addition, it is necessary to ensure the patient’s rest and it is important strict compliance individual diet. To prevent this type of disease, it is necessary to promptly and completely treat infectious disorders.

Allergic arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that is integral part allergic reaction to various foreign antigens. Distinctive feature This disease is characterized by its benign course and reversibility of the lesion.

Every year the number of patients is growing, which is directly proportional to the increase in allergic reactions among the population.

The occurrence of allergic arthritis is associated with too high sensitivity the body to foreign proteins and any products formed during their breakdown.

It can appear with any type of allergy and be part of serum sickness. Serum sickness is an allergic reaction of the immune system that occurs when administered medicinal serums. Thus, allergic arthritis can occur with any type of food allergies , medicinal (most often the reasons are antibacterial drugs and painkillers, vaccines and serums), contact with occupational allergens (in pharmacology, chemical and oil refining industries). These allergic reactions occur due to wrong reaction

immunity to a number of substances that he perceives as excessively dangerous and threatening, destroying his own tissues.

As a result of exposure of the body to an antigen (allergen), antibodies and immune complexes are formed, which enter the joint cavity through the bloodstream and, accumulating there, cause inflammation. Deposition of immune complexes in tissues is associated with a defect in the immune system.

Symptoms This type of inflammation occurs as a typical allergic synovitis (inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joint). Its occurrence is subject to all the basic canons of allergic reactions. Arthritis can develop almost immediately, but more often 2-7 days after exposure to an allergen or use of a medicinal serum. Most often, this disease affects women and children who are prone to allergies. In most cases, it begins only after reintroduction the same serum. Initially, there is a feeling of general weakness, malaise, weakness, rapid heartbeat, watery eyes, and the temperature may rise. On initial stage Many people think they have caught a cold or the flu. When pain in the joints appears, patients refer to an exacerbation of previously acquired chronic arthritis or

age-related changes . Then a small red rash on the body (urticaria) becomes noticeable, itching and itching. May increase . At the same time, joints begin to become inflamed; as a rule, no more than two are affected, and more often the larger ones. They swell and begin to hurt when you move or touch them, and the skin over them becomes hot to the touch and turns red. There may be pain of different nature, often aching, intensifies even after minor physical activity or rest.

An effusion (fluid accumulates) may form in the joint cavity, and the patella (cap) becomes excessively mobile; doctors call this patellar balloting and consider it one of the signs of arthritis. The tissue around the joint also becomes swollen and inflamed. This inflammation of the joints lasts no more than a couple of days and can go away on its own without any treatment, provided that the intake of the irritating allergen stops, which significantly distinguishes allergic arthritis from all other types of inflammation of the joints.

But repetitions (relapses) of allergic arthritis are also common, which is associated with repeated exposure to the allergen. All this does not mean at all that there is no need for treatment for this arthritis. On the contrary, if any allergic reaction occurs, consultation with an allergist-immunologist is necessary, since even a harmless allergy can subsequently develop into a more serious one. severe form(asthma, Quincke's edema).

In very rare cases, allergic arthritis occurs in a severe, long-term form. Most often, this form occurs upon contact with drug allergen. Intense unbearable pain in the joints appears. The inflammation is so severe that exudate not only accumulates in their cavity, but also necrosis of the articular ends of the bones can occur with destruction articular surfaces. Such patients are forced to take not only painkillers, but also hormonal drugs to relieve inflammation.

Diagnosis of the disease

Of great importance for the doctor is the connection between the occurrence of joint inflammation and the action of the allergen and the development of an allergic reaction. Especially if the patient himself knows about the presence of an allergy to something in the past. When examined, attention is drawn to manifestations of allergies: red small rash and itching. IN general analysis blood, the number of eosinophils may be increased, the ESR may be accelerated, which occurs when an allergy occurs. When performing an ultrasound in the joint cavity, a cloudy effusion with a suspension, an expanded articular cavity, and signs of bursitis and synovitis can be detected. X-ray of inflamed joints pathological changes

In cases where it is still not possible to identify the final cause of joint inflammation, a puncture is performed (puncture with a needle under local anesthesia) with content research. In allergic arthritis, immune complexes and eosinophils are detected in the punctate.

Prognosis of the course of the disease

The prognosis for both life and function of the affected joints, with the exception of a protracted, severe form, is favorable. The disease goes away on its own and does not cause irreversible damage to bones and joints.

Treatment

Treatment is carried out comprehensively, the basis of treatment is complete cessation of contact with the allergen.

Inflamed joints require complete rest. They are softly bandaged to give the correct physiological position. Appointed dry heat, compresses with pain-relieving liquid ointments. If the effusion accumulated in the cavity slowly resolves or there is inflammation and pain long time do not pass, then carry out more active heat treatment: paraffin treatment, ozokerite treatment, peat applications, diathermy courses.

Also carried out in parallel general treatment allergic reaction. Antiallergic antihistamines are prescribed: Suprastin, Zyrtec and others. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve swelling, reduce pain and inflammation, but their use is contraindicated for people who suffer from peptic ulcer or have had it in the past. According to strict indications, glucocorticoid hormonal drugs are prescribed orally, which effectively fight inflammation and enhance the effectiveness of analgesics.

There are two types of arthritis caused by an allergic reaction of the body: proper allergic arthritis and infectious-allergic arthritis, which should not be confused. Infectious-allergic and allergic arthritis have a similar course and symptoms. Let's consider both types.

Allergic arthritis

The cause of the development of allergic arthritis is a defect in the immune system, as a result of which a person develops individual hypersensitivity or intolerance to certain food products, pollen, animal fur, some medicines and so on. When these allergens enter the body again, it produces antibodies that combine with the foreign substance and are deposited in various tissues. When they are deposited in articular tissue, it develops inflammatory process accompanied by symptoms of arthritis.

When an allergen first enters the body, allergic arthritis usually does not develop: after the first allergen enters the body, an immune response to this substance is formed. People prone to allergies are susceptible to allergic arthritis: this is why allergic arthritis is most often detected in childhood.

Symptoms of allergic arthritis include:

• acute onset of the disease, which manifests itself immediately when an allergen enters the body;
• large joints are affected: pain is especially intensified when moving and after rest;
• the affected joints swell, the temperature of the tissues above them is increased;
• appears allergic rash on the skin and itching;
• the disease may be accompanied by other allergy symptoms: angioedema, bronchospasm;
• Nausea and vomiting, increased body temperature, diarrhea, and tachycardia are possible.

Diagnosis of allergic arthritis usually does not cause difficulties, since there is a clear connection between exposure to allergens and the occurrence of acute symptoms diseases. The history of a patient with allergic arthritis quite often includes bronchial asthma, food or drug allergies.

A general blood test shows a slight increase in ESR, the number of eosinophils and leukocytes. The x-ray shows no changes in the tissues of the joints. In allergic arthritis, the tissue around the affected joints swells, causing joint fluid effusion and sediment appear. Allergic arthritis can occur in acute and under acute form.

In the acute form of allergic arthritis, the disease is manifested by severe swelling of the tissues around the affected joints and severe pain in them. The acute form of the disease can be complicated by angioedema, an attack bronchial asthma and so on. All symptoms characteristic of the acute form of allergic arthritis quickly subside with appropriate treatment.

The subacute form of allergic arthritis most often develops when taking medications to which a person individually develops intolerance. Treatment for this form of the disease requires the use of painkillers and hormonal drugs. With a prolonged course of allergic arthritis, irreversible changes in the joints are possible - deformation of their surface, the appearance of foci of necrosis.

For the treatment of allergic arthritis:

1) it is urgent to stop the exposure of the patient to the allergen;

2) give the patient antihistamines (if antihistamines are ineffective, the doctor may prescribe hormonal drugs);

3) when severe pain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for joints;

4) you need to provide rest to the affected joints.

Typically when starting treatment for allergic arthritis medicines, all symptoms pass quickly, so there is no need to use physiotherapeutic methods of treatment. The prognosis for the course of the disease is favorable.

Preventing the occurrence of allergic arthritis is to prevent the allergen from entering the body in the future, since this threatens the development of allergic arthritis in a more severe form.

Infectious-allergic arthritis

The causes of infectious-allergic arthritis have not been fully established. It is believed that this type of arthritis is most often a reaction to an infection that develops in the nasopharynx. Infectious-allergic arthritis is also called postanginal polyarthritis and infectious rheumatism. Typically, infectious-allergic arthritis occurs in people who are highly sensitive to a particular pathogen. infectious disease. This type of arthritis can occur 10-15 days after an infectious disease.

Children are more susceptible to infectious-allergic arthritis than adults, and women are more susceptible than men. This disease was first identified and described in an adult.

With infectious-allergic arthritis in children, acute or subacute inflammation of the synovial membrane develops, involving several joints (both small and large joints can be involved in the inflammatory process). In this case, mild or moderate pain is observed in the joints.

The x-ray does not reveal any abnormalities in the joints, functional disorders no (no joint deformation). Synovial fluid with this disease it has a normal composition and viscosity. Inflammation of the joints passes after some time and disappears without a trace or residual effects, damage internal organs is not provoked by this disease.

With the acute onset of the disease, the patient’s temperature rises, an allergic rash may occur, and disturbances in the general condition body. The ESR is increased in the body, the content of neutrophilic granulocytes, titers of streptococcal antibodies and eosinophils is increased in the blood. The disease goes away in 2-3 weeks.

In the subacute course of the disease, the pathological state of the body is observed within 4-6 weeks. In a blood test, deviations from the norm are usually mild.

A child with infectious-allergic arthritis may have the following symptoms:

• refusal of food;
• the child is constantly nervous and capricious;
• walks with a limp, tries not to use his hands;
• complains of pain in the arms or legs.

Infectious-allergic arthritis is not easy to differentiate from other forms of arthritis. Since methods for diagnosing this pathology have not yet been developed.

The diagnosis of infectious-allergic arthritis is made after excluding all similar diseases based on the absence of changes in the organs (except for inflammation in the joints themselves) and rapid regression. Infectious-allergic arthritis in rare cases can cause relapses. The prognosis for the course of the disease is favorable.

When treating this disease, the use of glucocorticoids or the injection of drugs into the joint will be unnecessary. To treat infectious-allergic arthritis, anti-inflammatory (aspirin or Brufen), antimicrobial and allergic reaction-inhibiting drugs (suprastin or diphenhydramine) are used. Antibiotics are prescribed penicillin or erythromycin (in case of intolerance to penicillin) for 7-10 days.

For prevention infectious-allergic arthritis, it is necessary to promptly and fully treat infectious diseases with mandatory sanitation of foci of infection. Especially when respiratory infections and infections of streptococcal or staphylococcal nature - these pathogens are most often allergens, which provoke the development of infectious-allergic arthritis.

When differentiating allergic and infectious-allergic arthritis from other types of arthritis, a history of allergies of any nature or an infectious disease, respectively, plays an important role. At correct diagnosis and timely treatment, these diseases do not lead to damage to the joints or internal organs of a person. Therefore, it is extremely important to contact a qualified doctor at the slightest manifestation of symptoms of joint damage.

Source: tvoyaybolit.ru

Clinical differences between allergic and infectious-allergic arthritis

Increased sensitivity of the body to individual products food, exposure to dust or chemical substances usually expressed as rhinitis, cough and lacrimation. But if these symptoms are accompanied by discomfort and painful sensations in the joints, which means there is a clear connection between allergies and arthritis. This disease It can be independent, that is, develop against the background of defects in the immune system, or infectious.

Etiology of allergies and arthritis

The main cause of allergic joint damage is associated with a malfunction of the immune system. Substances perceived by the body as foreign are deposited in the joint tissues, causing an inflammatory process and its characteristic symptoms. The symbiosis of allergies and arthritis often manifests itself against the background of the action of haptens - substances that cause pathological reactions when combined with other agents, such as blood plasma proteins.

Children often experience sensitivity to certain pathogens of infectious diseases, usually in the nasopharynx. In this case, allergies and arthritis are a reaction to an infection, and 90% of allergens are pathogens of staphylococcal and streptococcal nature. If there is insufficient sanitation of inflammatory foci during the treatment of diseases of the nasopharynx (sinusitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis), infectious-allergic arthritis will recur, especially among children.

Comparison of clinical characteristics

Despite the similar symptomatic picture of these diseases, the therapeutic regimen can differ significantly. If infectious-allergic arthritis requires a full course of antibiotics, then regular form involves the use of more gentle medications.

A special approach is required to treat the disease in children with hypersensitivity to allergens. Some drugs may be agents that cause a secondary pathological effect of haptens, which aggravates the course of the disease and complicates treatment.

Cases of infectious-allergic arthritis in children are not a rare event. This is due to the imperfection of the immune system and numerous social contacts. The formation of immunity in childhood makes the child’s body extremely susceptible to any type of allergens, including toxins produced by pathogenic microorganisms and viruses. You can avoid the development of the disease or reduce the risk of complications by knowing its causes, treatment and prevention features.

The main reason that provokes the development of infectious-allergic arthritis in children is infection. In most cases, these are acute respiratory viral infections, influenza, sore throats and other diseases of the nasopharynx. Actively multiplying, microbes secrete a large number of toxic compounds that enter other tissues of the body through the bloodstream, including joints, leading to inflammation.

Thus, infectious-allergic arthritis is a response to infection. Most often it occurs in children with hypersensitivity to allergens. The risk group includes children with a history of diseases of the immune system in chronic form weakened by diseases such as diabetes, HIV, and oncological pathologies.

Signs and course of the disease

Unlike arthritis caused by the direct action of infectious agents, the infectious-allergic form is more mild. As a rule, by the time it occurs inflammatory symptoms in the joint (7-20 days after the onset of the underlying disease), the child has already received treatment, so the signs may appear implicitly. However, very young children can react quite violently to infectious toxins: with sharp increase temperature.

Among the most common symptoms The following diseases are noted:

• redness and swelling of several joints (usually large ones, but small joints may also be involved);
• pain of varying intensity, depending on the individual reaction of the body;
• the child refuses to stand or crawl, cries when moving his arm or leg;
• the limb may be in an unnatural position;
• refusal to eat;
• crying and restlessness in infants, sleep disturbance;
• children who can talk may complain of fatigue and weakness;
• Skin rashes and itching in the affected area may appear.

The severity of symptoms of infectious-allergic arthritis in childhood depends on the previous treatment of the infectious disease. The most pronounced inflammatory process in the joints occurs at the beginning of the disease, during the first 7-14 days. Possibly sluggish development inflammation, the duration of which can reach one and a half months. Arthritis caused by the presence of a virus in the body goes away most quickly.

Types of pathology

Depending on the nature of the pathogen, there are different types infectious-allergic arthritis in children:

Most often, the development of the disease is provoked by streptococcal and staphylococcal infection, as well as gonococci and Haemophilus influenzae.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of infectious-allergic arthritis is difficult due to insufficient severe symptoms. Besides, clinical picture The disease manifests itself mainly when the underlying disease is either eliminated or is at the stage of cure. During the survey, many parents may forget (or not pay attention) that the child had ARVI 3 weeks ago, and not tell the pediatrician about it. Therefore, the doctor must prescribe thorough examination baby in order to differentiate the diagnosis.

To the complex diagnostic measures The following procedures are included.

• Physical examination. The specialist identifies the characteristics of the soft tissues located around the joint: temperature, degree of compaction, the presence of redness and pain, their intensity, and others.
• General urine and blood tests. In the acute form of the disease it is possible to detect elevated eosinophils and neutrophils. In the case of subacute development of the disease, indicators may be within normal limits.
• Immunological blood tests to detect antibodies.
• Ultrasound of joints. Makes it possible to differentiate from other pathologies.

X-ray examination is rarely done, mainly to exclude other joint diseases. In infectious-allergic arthritis, there are no bone changes in the joint in the image.

Healing procedures

Treatment of infectious-allergic arthritis in children is complex. The main goals of therapy are presented in the table:

ATTENTION! Medicines for the treatment of infectious-allergic arthritis in children should be selected only by a pediatrician!

Medicines

Most often, in childhood, with infectious-allergic arthritis, the following medications are indicated:

1. anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drugs(aspirin, ibuprofen, nise and others);
2. antihistamines (suprastin, diphenhydramine, diazolin);
3. antibacterial (penicillin, erythromycin);
4. antiviral, if the source of joint inflammation is a virus;
5. vitamin complexes.

During treatment, the child is prescribed bed rest, peace, dietary food. A guarantee of a quick and successful recovery is full compliance with the doctor’s recommendations and regular use of medications.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic treatments are indicated when it subsides. acute period diseases. For infectious-allergic arthritis in childhood, procedures such as:

• electrophoresis with medicinal substances and enzymes;
• applications of ozokerite and paraffin;

They normalize metabolic processes in joint structures, improve blood flow, ensure flow to tissues useful substances and oxygen, help accelerate the removal of toxins from cells.

In progress rehabilitation treatment Massage and gymnastics are actively used. Young children are advised to carry out a set of passive exercises, and older children are prescribed a set physical therapy. Depending on the severity of the disease, rehabilitation therapy can last about a month or more. Throughout the entire treatment period, the child is under medical supervision to prevent the development of complications.

Traditional medicine

When treating children, the use of prescriptions is allowed traditional medicine as additional means. Before using this or that composition or collection, you must thoroughly ensure that the child is not allergic to the components.

To treat infectious-allergic arthritis in children, you can use the following traditional methods:

• applying a sheet white cabbage to the inflamed joint for 2-4 hours;
• drink an infusion (decoction) of chamomile, rose hips, black currant;
• rice cooked in water will help remove toxins from the body;
• Lemon oil will help speed up getting rid of the infection (leave half a glass for 7 days vegetable oil, mixed with one twisted lemon, then apply it to the mucous membranes);
• drinking freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables;
• salt compresses and baths.

ATTENTION! Under no circumstances should you apply heat compresses or take hot baths, especially during an acute period of illness. This may lead to relapse of the disease.

Complications and consequences

Lost time and ignoring the symptoms of infectious-allergic arthritis (if they are not pronounced enough) can lead to serious problems. In childhood, the disease can cause complications in the respiratory system, cardiovascular system. Absence timely treatment can provoke development dystrophic processes in the joints, which will ultimately lead to developmental delays in the child’s musculoskeletal system, pathological processes in cartilage and bone tissue, disability.