What is the definition or description of: reactive arthritis?

An inflammatory dis.: An inflammatory condition that occurs after exposure to certain digestive and urinary infections, especially chlamydia, salmonella, shigella. The infection occurs 1-4 weeks before arthritis develops. It causes fever, arthritis affecting the larger joints or spine, also conjunctivitis and skin lesions. It is treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids (cortisone-like), or other medications.

Reactive Arthritis: Is classified as an autoimmune condition that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body (cross-reactivity). Coming into contact with bacteria and developing an infection can trigger the disease. By the time the patient presents with symptoms, oftentimes the "trigger" infection has been cured or is in remission in chronic cases, thus making determination of cause difficult.

See below: A.D.A.M. Medical encyclopedia. Reactive arthritis reiter syndrome; post-infectious arthritis last reviewed: june 15, 2012. Reactive arthritis is a group of conditions that may involve the joints, urethra, and eyes. These areas become swollen and inflamed, often in response to certain infections. Causes, incidence, and risk factors the exact cause of reactive arthritis is unknown. It occurs mo.