Reiter's Syndrome Symptoms & Diagnosis

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

Male Urinary System

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
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Fluid on the lung ( pleural effusion )
Nervous system problems such as:
- Neuropathy , such as tingling or loss of sensation
- Behavior changes

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Your doctor uses these findings to help make the diagnosis. There is no specific test to check for Reiter’s syndrome.

Testing may include:

Blood tests to check for:
- Signs of inflammation (sedimentation rate)
- Signs of infection (complete blood count)
- The genetic factor associated with Reiter's syndrome (HLA-B27)
Culture, gram stain, or other tests to look for bacteria that commonly cause infections associated with Reiter’s syndrome
Removal of synovial fluid from around the joints to check for infection
X-rays —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body such as joints
Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to examine the inside of the body
MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic and radio waves to make pictures of the inside of the body
CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.