Reactive arthritis or Reiter’s syndrome is a group of disorders which include redness in the eyes, urinary tract infections and joint pain. The Reiter’s syndrome is called ‘reactive arthritis’ because the arthritis occurs as a reaction to an infection which starts elsewhere in the body. It is also called as seronegative spondyloarthropathy, as it is a group of conditions or disorders which cause inflammation in the joints of the body. Reactive arthritis also includes ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory bowel syndrome arthritis.

The causes of Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis) are unknown. Generally this type of arthritis is the common cause of inflammatory arthritis which means there is pain and swelling of the joints. The causes of Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis) can be sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia or HIV, gastrointestinal diseases bacteria or GI diseases which cause shigella or salmonella, and diarrhea. Chlamydia trachomatis is the bacteria associated with Reiter’s syndrome. Many people develop this syndrome after one to three weeks which follow severe diarrhea, which can be due to food poisoning.

Reactive arthritis can also be caused by a venereal infection in the urethra or the bladder which causes its inflammation.  In women, the infection can be in the vagina which is transmitted through sexual contact. Inflammation of the cervix which can be identified through pelvic examination can be one of the causes of Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis). The sensation of frequent and burning urination and fever are identified as Cystitis which is a urinary tract infection.  The disorder such as inflammation of the prostate gland in men following urethral infection can be considered as the onset of reactive arthritis. This form of arthritis is called as genitourinary or urogenital reactive arthritis.

Above all, the arthritis sufferers also develop redness or inflammation of the eye and rash or lesions on the skin. The eyes can develop conjunctivitis. It results in inflammation of the delicate membrane lining the inner eyelids. Skin disorders such as small, painless sores on the head of the penis, roof of the mouth or on tongue can appear. All these disorders signal the onset of Reiter’s syndrome.

Eating or handling food tainted with bacteria can also be one of the causes of Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis). This form of reactive arthritis is called as enteric or gastrointestinal reactive arthritis.

This disease is common among young men, generally before the age of 40. Genetical predisposition can also be one of the main causes of Reiter’s syndrome (reactive arthritis).  It is important to identify the disorder in advance so as to take necessary precautions.