HealthLine99

Frequenly Asked Questions: Ankylosing Spondylitis

• What causes Ankylosing Spondylitis?
  The answer is already given above, we do not know exact cause of the disease.
• What are the most common Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms?
  Back pain, stiffness, involvement of other joints are the most common symptoms.
• Is AS a contagious disease?
  No, absolutely not.
• What are the tests to diagnose Ankylosing Spondylitis?
  As such there is not a single definitive test and AS is usually diagnosed clinically. Sometimes Xray is performed to see damage to joints and determine action for further treatment.
• Will my son also get AS?
  It is difficult to determine wheather your son will develop AS in future but there are few studies that suggest role of genetics inheritance.

• What are the risk factors for AS?
  male aged less than 40 years, HLAB27 gene (2 %), family history of AS.