Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, long-term condition that can affect people in different ways. Some people may experience mild symptoms that do not significantly impact their daily life, while others may have more severe symptoms that can interfere with their ability to perform daily activities.
It is possible to live a long life with ankylosing spondylitis. Life expectancy for people who have ankylosing spondylitis is the same as that of the general population, except for patients who have the most severe forms of the disease and for those who have complications. While ankylosing spondylitis isn’t life-threatening in itself, complications and comorbidities associated with the condition may be.
Complications of ankylosing spondylitis that may affect life expectancy include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
Factors that may indicate a poorer outcome with ankylosing spondylitis include:
- Developing ankylosing spondylitis at a younger age, such as childhood or adolescence
- Hip involvement
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) don’t work to control pain
- Limited mobility in the lower spine (lumbar spine)
- Smoking
- If the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is elevated
- If other conditions such as psoriasis or irritable bowel disease (IBD) are also present
It’s important for people with ankylosing spondylitis to receive proper treatment and follow their treatment plan to manage the condition and reduce the risk of complications. This may include taking medications as prescribed, participating in physical therapy and other rehabilitation, and making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.
It’s also important for people with ankylosing spondylitis to work closely with their healthcare team to monitor their condition and address any potential complications as they arise. By taking an active role in managing their health, people with ankylosing spondylitis can lead full and productive lives.