The term juvenile arthritis (JA) does not designate a specific disease, but rather a group of rheumatic and inflammatory diseases that affect children under 16 years of age. Symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis range from joint pain to eye pain, and can be quite unpleasant. Fortunately, there are things that young people with JA can do to relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Click through this gallery to learn all about juvenile arthritis.
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What is juvenile arthritis?
Juvenile arthritis (RA), also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, is a term that includes a series of inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children under 16 years of age.
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statistics
JA is not super common, but it is estimated to affect up to 300,000 children and adolescents in the United States alone.
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autoimmunity
Most types of JA are autoimmune or auto-inflammatory diseases. This means that the immune system gets confused and attacks healthy tissue.
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common symptoms
In most cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, patients experience symptoms such as joint inflammation, swelling, and pain and tenderness.
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Other symptoms
However, there are some types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that have few or no joint symptoms and only affect the skin and/or internal organs.
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Cause
The exact cause of JA is not known, but researchers believe that certain genes may cause it when activated by viruses, bacteria, or other external factors.
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Cause
There is no evidence that external factors per se such as food, toxins, allergies, or lack of vitamins actually cause JA.
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Various types of AJ
As described above, there are several types of AJ that fall under the umbrella. The most common type is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
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Various types of JIA
JIA itself is a term that includes six different types: oligoarthritis, polyarthritis, systemic, enthesitis-related, juvenile psoriatic arthritis, and undifferentiated.
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More types of AJ
Other types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include juvenile myositis, juvenile arthritis, juvenile scleroderma, vasculitis, and fibromyalgia.
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joint problems
As described above, when it comes to AJ, there are several symptoms to watch out for. A common symptom in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is pain, redness, and/or swelling of the joints.
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joint problems
Joint problems can limit range of motion and are often worse right after waking up or after staying in the same position for too long.
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skin problems
Skin symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include a red, scaly rash (psoriatic), a pink rash with light spots (systemic), a butterfly-shaped rash on the bridge of the nose and cheeks (lupus), or thick patches of skin and hardened (scleroderma).
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eye problems
Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may also experience eye problems such as dryness, pain, redness, sensitivity, and difficulty seeing caused by chronic inflammation.
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Effects on internal organs
When it comes to the internal organs, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can affect the digestive tract (diarrhea and swelling), the lungs (shortness of breath), and the heart.
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more symptoms
Other possible symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, and acute high fever.
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When to see a doctor
If you suspect that your child or adolescent may have JA, go to the pediatrician. However, if the pediatrician agrees, you will likely be referred to a rheumatologist.
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At the rheumatologist’s office
The rheumatologist will ask you questions about your child’s medical and family history, and will test you for signs of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
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Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, it is perfectly possible to achieve remission.
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strong plan
A good plan for treating rheumatoid arthritis includes medications, physical activity, complementary therapies, and healthy eating habits.
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Medication
There are several types of medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Some medications control the activity of the disease itself, while others work to relieve symptoms.
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Medication
Examples of drugs that control disease activity include corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
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lifestyle choices
It’s important for kids and teens to make the right lifestyle choices if they’re looking to manage the pain and stress of arthritis.
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Diet
First of all, they should eat a healthy and balanced diet, with lots of fatty fish, fruits, vegetables and whole grains. High-fat, sugary, and processed foods should be avoided.
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hot and cold treatments
Heat treatments, such as heating pads and hot baths, are good for soothing stiff joints and tired muscles. Cold is best for treating acute pain.
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Creams, gels and patches
Creams, gels, and patches can relieve joint or muscle pain. Some contain the same medication found in pills, while others contain nerve irritants.
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Mind-body therapies
Mind-body therapies such as meditation, deep breathing, and distraction techniques can work wonders in helping your child focus on something other than the pain.
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massage and acupuncture
Massage or acupuncture can also help reduce pain and relieve stress and anxiety. If your child is afraid of needles, pressure can be used instead.
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supplements
While the use of supplements in children has rarely been studied, you may want to ask your doctor if there is anything that might help your child.
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Support net
Lastly, it’s important for your child or teen to have a strong support network to help them deal with difficult emotions and learn effective coping strategies.