Ask Dr. Marks: 06/03

What is “reactive” arthritis? What causes it? The symptoms? How is it treated? The term “reactive” arthritis usually pertains to a group of inflammatory diseases that are triggered by an infectious agent. The most important disease in this group is Reiter's syndrome. The triggering agents are usually Salmonella or Shigella organisms. The organism does not infect the joint but triggers an immune response which causes inflammation of the joint. The syndrome can involve any joint but…