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Introducing juvenile arthritis -

Juvenile arthritis (JA), otherwise known as pediatric rheumatic disease, is a cover term for a number of inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in kids 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 teenagers in the United States alone.

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Autoimmunity -

The majority of types of JA are autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases. This means that the immune system gets confused and attacks healthy tissue and cells.

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Common symptoms -

In most cases of JA, sufferers experience such symptoms as joint inflammation, swelling, and pain and tenderness.

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Other symptoms - However, there are some types of JA that have few or no joint symptoms, and that only affect the skin and/or internal organs.

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Cause -

It is not known exactly what causes JA, but researchers believe that there are certain genes that may cause JA when activated by a virus, bacteria, or other external factors.

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Cause -

There is no evidence that external factors themselves, such as foods, toxins, allergies, or lack of vitamins, actually cause JA.

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Various types of JA - As described above, there are various types of JA that fall under the umbrella. The most common type is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

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Various types of JIA as well -

JIA itself is a cover term for six different types: oligoarthritis, polyarthritis, systemic, enthesitis-related, juvenile psoriatic arthritis, and undifferentiated.

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More types of JA -

Other types of JA include juvenile myositis, juvenile lupus, juvenile scleroderma, vasculitis, and fibromyalgia.

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Joint problems -

As described above, when it comes to JA, there are various symptoms to look out for. A common symptom in JA sufferers is joint pain, redness, and/or swelling.

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Joint problems - Problems in the joints may limit range of motion, and they are often worse straight after waking up, or after staying in the same position for too long.

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Skin complaints -

Skin symptoms of JA include a scaly red rash (psoriatic), a light spotted pink rash (systemic), a butterfly-shaped rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks (lupus), or thick, hardened patches of skin (scleroderma).

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Eye trouble -

Kids who suffer with JA may also experience problems with their eyes, including dryness, pain, redness, sensitivity, and trouble seeing caused by chronic inflammation.

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Effect on internal organs -

When it comes to the internal organs, JA may affect the digestive tract (diarrhea and bloating), lungs (shortness or breath), and heart.

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Further symptoms -

Other possible symptoms include fatigue (feeling tired or run down), as well as appetite loss, and high, spiking fever.

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When to see a doctor -

If you suspect your child or teenager may have JA, the first port of call is the pediatrician. However, if the pediatrician agrees, they will probably refer you to a rheumatologist.

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At the rheumatologist's office -

The rheumatologist will ask questions about your child’s medical and family history, as well as perform tests to check for signs of JA.

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Treatment -

Unfortunately, there is no cure for JA. However, with early diagnosis and the right treatment, remission (little to no disease activity or symptoms) is perfectly possible to achieve.

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Strong plan -

A good plan to treat JA includes medication, physical activity, complementary therapies, and healthy eating habits.

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Medication -

There are various types of medication used to treat JA. Some medications control the disease activity itself, while others work to relieve symptoms.

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Medication -

Examples of drugs that control the disease activity include corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

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Lifestyle choices -

It is important that children and teens make the right lifestyle choices if they are looking to manage the pain and stress of arthritis.

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Diet -

Firstly, they should eat a healthy and balanced diet, with lots of fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. High-fat, sugary, and processed foods are to be avoided.

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Hot and cold treatments -

Heat treatments, such as heat pads and warm 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 -

Topical creams, gels, and patches can ease the pain in a joint or muscle. Some contain the same medicine that you find 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 helping your child focus on something other than the pain.

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Massage and acupuncture -

Massage or acupuncture may also help reduce pain and ease stress and anxiety. If your child has a fear 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 like to ask your doctor whether there is anything that could help your child with their JA.

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Support network -

Finally, it’s important that your child or teenager has a strong support network to help them deal with tough emotions and learn effective coping strategies.

Sources: (Arthritis Foundation)

See also: Celebrities who suffer from skin conditions

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