How long can a person live with ankylosing spondylitis?
Disease description:
I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. My spine and sacroiliac joints have been constantly painful, and my body feels particularly stiff in the morning; the stiffness improves somewhat after moving around. I'm really worried whether this condition will affect my lifespan. How long can a person live with ankylosing spondylitis?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Ankylosing spondylitis itself generally does not directly affect a patient's lifespan.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the joints of the spine and pelvis. It belongs to a group of conditions known as seronegative spondyloarthropathies and typically presents with stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility in the spine.
The impact on lifespan mainly depends on how well the condition is managed and whether serious complications develop. Most patients with ankylosing spondylitis can expect a near-normal life expectancy.
If the disease is severe and not promptly or effectively treated, ankylosing spondylitis may lead to complications such as pulmonary fibrosis and renal amyloidosis. These complications can have a significant impact on a patient's lifespan. For example, in severe cases of pulmonary fibrosis that are not effectively managed, survival time may be reduced to approximately one year.
Therefore, the treatment goals for ankylosing spondylitis are to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, maintain joint function, and prevent complications.
