Understanding juvenile arthritis: Symptoms to look out for in children
What's the story
You are wrong if you thought arthritis occurs only in older adults.
Although less common, it can occur in children below the age of 16.
Juvenile arthritis (JA) involves inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Juvenile arthritis requires specialized care due to its impact on developing/growing bodies.
Here's everything you need to know about JA in children.
Concept
An autoimmune illness
JA is not a specific disease. Also referred to as a pediatric rheumatic disease, JA serves as an umbrella term to cover all inflammatory and rheumatic conditions that occur in children below 16.
The immune system, which is meant to defend the body against foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria, gets confused and secretes inflammatory chemicals that harm healthy cells and tissue.
Impact
How it impacts children
JA presents a variety of difficulties for kids, including persistent pain, stiff joints, and decreased mobility, which can have a big influence on their everyday lives as well as their participation in play and school.
It can affect children on many body parts, including the eyes, heart, lungs, and digestive system and might result in additional health issues that need close observation and control.
Symptoms
Symptoms
The symptoms of JA can vary widely depending on the type and severity of the condition.
However, some commonly seen symptoms include joint pain - causing joints to look red, swollen, stiff and maybe painful.
Children may also experience limited range of motion, fatigue, fever, skin rashes, and eye inflammation, and may exhibit limping or favoring one side of the body.
Information
When to see the doctor?
Although the exact causes of JA are unknown, scientists think that it can occur via genetics or environmental factors. Go see a doctor if the joint pain, swelling or stiffness persists for more than a week especially if your child has a fever.
Treatment
Treatment
A comprehensive evaluation by a pediatric rheumatologist is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. This may include physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies, and evaluation of medical history.
The goal of treatment is to control inflammation, relieve pain, and improve the child's quality of life.
Treatment may include a combination of medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and in some cases, the use of assistive devices.