What is the life expectancy of someone with Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Life expectancy of people with Ankylosing Spondylitis and recent progresses and researches in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine. While AS can lead to significant pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, it does not typically affect life expectancy. However, it is important to note that the disease's impact can vary greatly among individuals. Early diagnosis, proper management, and regular exercise can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for those with AS. It is crucial for individuals with AS to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan. With appropriate care, individuals with AS can lead fulfilling lives and have a normal life expectancy.

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and eventually leading to fusion of the vertebrae. While AS can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, it is important to note that it does not typically affect life expectancy in a direct manner.

Life expectancy refers to the average number of years a person is expected to live based on various factors such as their health, lifestyle, and genetic predispositions. It is influenced by a wide range of variables, and AS alone is not considered a life-threatening condition.

However, it is crucial to understand that AS can lead to complications that may indirectly affect life expectancy. These complications primarily arise from the chronic inflammation and structural changes that occur in the spine and other affected joints.

Cardiovascular complications: AS is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and other cardiovascular risk factors. It is important for individuals with AS to manage their cardiovascular health through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and appropriate medical interventions.

Pulmonary complications: In some cases, AS can lead to inflammation and scarring of the lungs, a condition known as interstitial lung disease. This can result in breathing difficulties and reduced lung function. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatment can help manage these complications and minimize their impact on life expectancy.

Spinal complications: The fusion of the vertebrae in AS can lead to a loss of flexibility and mobility in the spine. In severe cases, this can affect a person's ability to perform daily activities and may impact their overall health. However, advancements in medical treatments, including biologic medications, can help slow down or prevent the progression of spinal fusion, allowing individuals to maintain a better quality of life.

Overall health management: It is important for individuals with AS to adopt a holistic approach to their health. This includes regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress levels, and seeking appropriate medical care. By actively managing their condition and addressing potential complications, individuals with AS can lead fulfilling lives.

While AS can present challenges and potential complications, it is not a condition that directly impacts life expectancy. With proper management, individuals with AS can live long and fulfilling lives. It is essential to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses the specific needs and challenges associated with AS.

Diseasemaps

Maybe you can find some useful ifo here: http://www.clinexprheumatol.org/article.asp?a=1455
and from the MD guidelines: "The prognosis is variable but generally favorable, with a tendency for the condition to be self-limiting with either spontaneous remission or a mild course. The disease may also be active over a period of years with life expectancy reduced after 10 years of active disease. The outcome of medical or surgical intervention varies in each individual, although some lessening of symptoms can be expected in all individuals.
Comparatively few individuals will develop severe functional disability. Disability correlates with duration of disease, disease activity, fixed spinal deformity, and spinal mobility. Severe hip involvement also results in greater functional impairment." (source http://www.mdguidelines.com/ankylosing-spondylitis)

Posted Mar 4, 2017 by kat1 1050

The normal life expectancy for those living with AS is that of normal people without the disease unless a severe complication arises. Complications such as fusion can lead to bamboo spine or hunchback or of the SI joints as well and also extra bone growth that could lead to surgery. With AS in later progression the heart, lungs, And eyes can be affected leading to infection in the organs causing hospitalization and at times strong antibiotics and you can also get secondary infections from those infections leading to pneumonia, pleurisy, pericarditis, costochondritis, uvitis if the eye and if left untreated can lead to infection in brain, but these are usually caught but can happen and be life threatening. They believe AS is caused by a variety of factors such as generics, environment, and immune system. Also if the immune system TNF marker which is what leads to inflammation is to much the body will inflame and cause severe pain and swelling do the joints. Thjs can cause alot of discomfort and difficulty with mobility as well. Research continues to try and find out further information and is ongoing with many groups which leads to hope amongst the AS community. Although there is no cure at this time we are hoping one day they will find one. As they know HLA-B27 marker is main gene related to AS as well as some environmental fsctors, and our weakened immune systems. Alot of our infections are stemed from the gut so Probiotics are essential if able to take them to help restore good bacteria as well as some vitamins and supplements but talk to your dr about them before starting them. We continue to have hope as research continues that a breakthru will occur.

Posted Mar 5, 2017 by Heather 1120

Not sure.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Shannon 1050

AS doesnt not significantly alter life expectancy. Get educated and stay up on the latest developments. Also, please share your story often. More awareness means more funding for research.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Keli 1050

There's new anti-tnf drugs
Normal life expectancy

Posted May 18, 2017 by Karlie 1150

The disease itself is not usually life threatening. The medications do have serious side effects which can be however. In rare cases the heart and lungs can become effected. Regular check ups are important as is good lifestyle choices to stay strong and healthy in every other way.

Posted May 19, 2017 by Kylie Frost 2120

Clueless on this, but I plan on living everyday to its fullest as possible!

Posted May 19, 2017 by Tamra 1750

Normal, some cases shorter, usually from other complications.

Posted Jul 24, 2017 by 1000

I have been diagnosed with AS 15 years ago, I am now 59 years old and in better shape now that I was in my late 40's and early 50's i started lifting weights a little over 2 years ago and doing cardio and trying my best to eat clean went from 250lbs & 42" waist, to a 32" waist and weight in at 185lbs I also play tennis the reason I say all that, is don't believe that your done because you have AS, do something about it,change your life style my saying"never quit, never give up, it's for life." Obelix58

Posted Aug 15, 2017 by Obelix58 100

a bit shorted than normal due to the strain and stress placed on the body.

Posted Aug 31, 2017 by BigStu111 12832

It is not life threatening, just life altering. Fusion of neck and other spinal areas can create a fall that you may not recover from. Heart attack if inflammation spreads to heart valves.

Posted Sep 6, 2017 by Daniel Wilson 2010

Life expectancy is just as any other with right treatment.

Posted Sep 7, 2017 by Luciano Scariano 2600

Every bit I've read indicates that AS doesn't necessarily affect longevity unless an individual has more involved symptoms and/or other conditions in addition to AS

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Sal 4050

Almost Normal Life with own strong willpower

Posted Sep 21, 2017 by Rana Navid Anwaar Khan 3945

Le complicazioni sono legate alle comorbidita' come i problemi cardiaci
Ad oggi i farmaci innovativi hanno regalato speranze ai malati di spondilite

Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Silvia 2500

I am not sure about answering this question.

But I do believe that the progress as early diagnose and treatment, combined with a better management can avoid or slow down damaged that the previous generations sadly had to go through and that were causing harm to maybe endanger life expectancy (for exemple due to the rib cage and respiratory issues)

Posted Feb 16, 2018 by Laeti 3570

Depeding on the severity of the disease and treatments available in your part of the world, you can have a normal life expectancy. The disease can affect the heart and lungs, so keep up with testing. Dont smoke, try to keep you weight down.

Posted May 31, 2018 by Colleen 2550

Translated from spanish Improve translation

The life expectancy of a person with ankylosing spondylitis in general is similar to that of the normal population. Ankylosing spondylitis by itself does not reduce the life expectancy of a person, although some people may have other complications that if you can do that will reduce your life expectancy.

What if that is reduced is the quality of life of people with ankylosing.

Posted May 25, 2017 by Sarah 200

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The life expectancy is normal. People with ankylosing spondylitis can be just as long lived as a normal person

Posted May 26, 2017 by Sofía 500

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

Unfortunately I cannot answer these questions

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Andressa 1050

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

In the case of men the disease is most known, in the cao of the women begins to be studied. The inmunoterapia is a major advance.

Posted Aug 14, 2017 by Luz 901

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I believe that hope is the same as a person not a carrier.