Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 March 2010 09:11

Cut down in their prime. Young men most at risk of chronic disease AS

While few people will have heard of Ankylosing Spondylitis, otherwise known as AS, it’s a painful, chronic, auto-immune disease, most commonly found in those in their twenties - the prime of their lives.

No cure is available, and throughout their lives sufferers experience acute pain in their knee and ankle joints, along with damage to their heart and lungs, and inflammation of the eyes. But the most horrific part of the disease is the impact on the spinal cord, which will fuse together if it’s not stretched regularly. Unlike many injuries, the pain grows when sufferers try to rest, and only improves with physical activity.

Around 1 in 200 men and 1 in 500 women are affected by the disease here in the UK. Although symptoms can occur at any stage of life, onset of AS is typically in the late teenage years and twenties, most commonly in men. But despite this, not many Brits have heard of the disease.

Now a new survey shows the majority of AS sufferers say work is the area of their lives most affected by their condition (54%). Despite this, barely a third have received useful advice from either their healthcare professional or employer on coping with their condition at work, according to research by Abbott.

Jane Skerrett, director of NASS, said: “We know from speaking to our members how important a fulfilling working life is to people with AS -  so helping them feel supported in their working environment is key. We encourage those with AS to speak to their healthcare professionals, about more than just the signs and symptoms of their condition, but also the impact it has on their social life, general well being and ability to work.”

Listen to a Podcast with Dr Rob Hicks and psychologist Professor Julie Barlow discussing ankylosing spondylitis. Click Here

For more information about AS, visit www.nass.co.uk