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Reiter’s syndrome is a type of arthritis that forms as a reaction to an infection in the body. This condition involves three symptoms: inflammation in a joint (arthritis), in the urinary tract (urethritis) and in the lining of the eye (conjunctivitis).

Reiter’s syndrome can develop after a person has an initial infection. This infection may occur in the gastrointestinal system after eating or handling food contaminated with certain bacteria. It may also originate in the reproductive system after contracting a sexually transmitted disease. However, most people do not develop Reiter’s syndrome after developing either of these common infections. The reasons that some people develop Reiter’s syndrome and others do not are not fully understood.

Two to four weeks after the initial infection, a person with Reiter’s syndrome may experience joint pain, commonly in the knees, ankles, feet or lower back. Conjunctivitis makes the eyes red and inflamed. Inflammation in the urinary system causes frequent urges to urinate or a burning sensation during urination. These symptoms may occur together or separately.

Reiter’s syndrome may be difficult to diagnose, especially if symptoms are occurring separately. The symptoms of the initial infection may be mild and go unnoticed. The inflammatory symptoms may also be mild and may be attributed to other causes.

There are no specific tests to diagnose Reiter’s syndrome. A medical history and description of symptoms can help a physician rule out other conditions. Results of some blood tests common for other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be different for patients with Reiter’s syndrome. X-rays may reveal the joint changes that are commonly seen in osteoarthritis but are usually normal in the early stages of Reiter’s syndrome.

When Reiter’s syndrome is diagnosed, the infectious symptoms can be treated with antibiotics. The pain and inflammation in the joints may be treated with drugs such as anti-inflammatories. For most patients, treatment resolves symptoms within several months.