Questions and Answers

The exact cause of AS is unknown, but it’s considered to be a systemic, or whole body, “autoimmune” disease—a disease in which the immune system attacks other parts of the body. In the case of AS, the immune system attacks the spine and other areas of the body, causing the joints, tendons, and ligaments to […] Read More

In the United States, AS affects about 0.2-0.5% of the population. Men are about 2 to 3 times more likely to be affected by AS than women, and it usually begins between late teens to age 40. When AS symptoms begin at the age of 16 or younger, it is called juvenile-onset AS. Read More

In the United States, AS affects about 0.2-0.5% of the population. Men are about 2 to 3 times more likely to be affected by AS than women, and it usually begins between late teens to age 40. When AS symptoms begin at the age of 16 or younger, it is called juvenile-onset AS. Read More

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is the most common form of spondyloarthritis, a type of arthritis that can cause pain and inflammation in and around joints in the spine, hips, chest wall, and anywhere ligaments and tendons join to the bone (such as the heel). AS mainly affects the spine, although other joints can be affected. One […] Read More

You can’t cure adult-onset Still’s disease, but staying on top of your treatment can help keep your symptoms under control and prevent complications. For about one-third of people with the disease, symptoms continue for a long time and become chronic arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help make the future brighter. Read More

There are things you can do to help manage your disease. These include: Follow your treatment plan. Keep taking your medications, even if you aren’t having symptoms. You’ll help lower your chances of inflammation and prevent further problems. Ask about supplements. On top of your healthy, well-balanced diet, you may need a vitamin D and […] Read More

There are several medications that can help with your symptoms. Your doctor will choose the best options for you depending on how severe your disease is and the side effects that you feel. These medicines include: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). You can try over-the-counter options to help with joint pain and inflammation. Your doctor can […] Read More

In adult-onset Still’s disease, symptoms typically come and go in episodes. For some, these go on for about a year, and then the disease goes away. For others, the episodes come on randomly, going away for weeks or months and then coming back. You may also have chronic adult-onset Still’s disease, where your symptoms are […] Read More

There is no single test your doctor can do to confirm that you have Still’s disease. Instead, they’ll gather information using: Your symptoms; Physical exams; Blood tests to see if you have other issues like infection or cancer; Ultrasound of your abdomen; CT scan; X-ray. Imaging tests like ultrasounds, X-rays, and CT scans can help […] Read More

Research suggests that infection or toxic substances in your body can trigger it. Your immune system overreacts to these triggers and sets off the disease. Experts consider adult-onset Still’s disease an auto-inflammatory condition because the immune system plays a role in its symptoms. At birth, you have an innate immune system. As you age, you […] Read More