Symptom modifiers in therapy for ankylosing spondylitis

Based on the data available in the literature, the author gives information on the prevalence of ankylosing spondyloarthritis. The clinical picture and pathogenesis of this disease and the principles of its diagnosis and treatment are described. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of etoricoxib, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in ankylosing spondyloarthritis. The available data strongly prove that etoricoxib is an alternative in the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the joints and vertebral column, ankylosing spondyloarthritis in particular.