World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day 2024: Discover its Surprising History and Facts

World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day 2024: Typically, people observe World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day on the initial Saturday of May, but they postpone it to the second Saturday if May 1 falls on that date. This year, May 4 is the date. One may encounter this ailment for the first time and subsequently be perplexed as to its nature and the reason for their unfamiliarity with it.

Throughout the years, this disease, which was once regarded as rare, has risen to prominence, compelling initiatives to raise awareness about it. Ankylosing Spondylitis (A.S.) is an inflammatory form of arthritis that primarily impacts the joints of the back and pelvis. Its incidence in the United States alone exceeds three million individuals.

World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day: History

Scientists hypothesize that a complex interplay of genetic and environmental elements causes ankylosing spondylitis. The majority of patients diagnosed with A.S. express the H.L.A.-B27 antigen, a distinct human leukocyte antigen that induces an autoimmunity or inflammatory reaction. Typically, doctors use the symptoms of this disease in conjunction with medical imaging and blood tests to establish a diagnosis.  The cure for ankylosing spondylitis is unknown. In rare instances, doctors may utilize medications, physical therapy, exercise, and even surgery to alleviate symptoms and prevent their progression.

Aelius Galenus, better known as Galen, a Roman physician, surgeon, and philosopher, identified Ankylosing Spondylitis and distinguished it from Rheumatoid Arthritis, giving it a lengthy history. Initial findings suggested the presence of the disease in the skeletal remains of an Egyptian mummy dating back 5,000 years; however, a subsequent analysis concluded that this did not support the hypothesis of A.S. In 1691, Bernard Connor published the initial description of pathological alterations to the skeleton that may have been concurrent with the disease. Benjamin Brodie was the initial physician to record an individual suspected of having active A.S. in 1818.

David Tucker wrote a booklet in 1858 about Leonard Trask, who had Ankylosing Spondylitis and a severe spinal deformity. The initial documented instance of A.S. in the United States was recorded because it unequivocally depicted the disease’s attributes. Over time, additional medical professionals provided precise descriptions that enabled an accurate prognosis of A.S. In 1893, Vladimir Bekhterev of Russia, in 1897, Adolph Strümpell of Germany, and in 1898, Pierre Marie of France, all contributed their descriptions to Ankylosing Spondylitis, which is now referred to by their surnames as alternative names.

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World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day: FAQs

Is ankylosing spondylitis cause a reduction in lifespan?

Contrary to expectations, it does not. Except for those with problems or severe disease, A.S. patients live as long as the general population.

Which celebrity suffers from ankylosing spondylitis?

In his early twenties, Imagine Dragons’ main singer Dan Reynolds received a prognosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Which color ribbon indicates ankylosing spondylitis?

People utilize a blue ribbon to demonstrate support and awareness for patients with A.S.

Five fascinating facts regarding ankylosing spondylitis

1. It has the potential to induce Uveitis, a medical condition characterized by severe eye pain, impaired vision, and light sensitivity.
2. Males are more susceptible to developing ankylosing spondylitis than women; the incidence rate is double for males.
3. When A.S. impacts the upper neck, it has the potential to induce substantial kyphosis, anatomically defined as a stooped posture.
4. Smoking has the potential to exacerbate an A.S. condition.
5. A.S. usually appears between 17 and 45, unlike other arthritis forms.

World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day: Dates

Year	Date	Day
2024	May 4	Saturday
2025	May 3	Saturday
2026	May 2	Saturday

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