Reiter's Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms occur in three main areas of the body: the joints, the eyes, and the urinary tract and genitals. Men and women may experience different symptoms. The disease may be milder in women. Symptoms may come and go. In rare cases, heart problems may develop later in the disease.

Specific symptoms include the following:

In the Joints:

• Swelling, pain, and redness, especially in the knees, ankles, and feet
• Heel pain
• Shortening and thickening of fingers and toes
• Back pain and stiffness

In the Eyes:

• Redness
• Pain
• Irritation
• Blurred vision
• Tearing
• Discharge
• Sometimes, sun sensitivity or swollen eyelids

In the Urinary Tract and Reproductive System

In men:

• Frequent urination
• Burning sensation when passing urine
• Penal discharge
• Sores at end of penis
• Fever
• Chills

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In women:

• Burning sensation when passing urine
• Inflamed vagina and cervix

Other Symptoms Include:

• Rash, especially on the palms or soles
• Ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue
• Weight loss
• Poor appetite
• Fatigue
• Fever

Rare Complications May Include:

• Heart problems such as:
  • Heart conduction defects, such as Arrhythmias
  • Heart Murmur (aortic insufficiency)
  • Pericarditis (inflammation of outer lining of heart)
• Lung problems such as:
  • Pneumonia
  • Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Fluid on the lung ( Pleural Effusion )
• Nervous system problems such as:
  • Peripheral Neuropathy , such as tingling or loss of sensation
  • Behavior changes