Understanding Juvenile Arthritis
Though most of us think arthritis aches and pains are associated with adulthood, children living with juvenile arthritis can experience arthritis in the joints, eyes, skin and intestinal tract. Types of Juvenile Arthritis Juvenile arthritis (JA) is an umbrella term that describes autoimmune and inflammatory conditions in children ages 16 and younger. The most common type is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), which is marked by joint swelling in one or more joints for at least six weeks. Symptoms over time include bone erosion, muscle and tissue tightening, misaligned joints, and changes in growth patterns. Once a child is diagnosed with JIA, he or she will be further tested to determine the specific type. During the first six months after the swelling and inflammations start, your physician will monitor the affected joints and order a rheumatoid factor blood test. The different JIA categories include: ñ Oligoarthritis. Some 40 percent of new JIA patients are diagnosed with oligoarthritis, which affects four joints or less in the first six months. ñ Polyarthritis. This condition affects five or more joints in the first six months. ñ Systemic. Systemic JIA accounts for about 10 percent of JIA patients. This type of arthritis has the potential to involve the entire body with symptoms such as non-contagious fever and rash, as well as inflammation of the spleen or membranes covering the heart and lungs. ñ Enthesitis-related. Inflammation of the entheses, which is the site where tendons attach to the bone, is considered another serious JIA condition.
Other forms of JA include juvenile lupus, juvenile dermatomysitis, juvenile psoriatic arthritis, or juvenile scleroderma. Children may also experience chronic pain caused by non-inflammatory disorders. JA Treatment There is no cure for JA, but treatment includes controlling pain, reducing inflammation, and making sure your child has an improved quality of life. Medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs to alter the severity of the disease and prevent joint damage. Other components of a treatment plan include physical activity, healthy eating, and eye care. Splints are often used to relieve a child’s joint pain and to keep joints in the correct position. Your child’s health care team may involve a pediatric rheumatologist, dentist, ophthalmologist, nurse practitioner, and physical therapist. Living with JA A child’s JA diagnosis affects the whole family. Experts recommend parents remind the child that arthritis is just part of his or her life, and not the central focus. Parents are encouraged to empower their child through arthritis education. When your child is old enough, make him or her responsible for taking medication, reporting side effects, and exercising. Children with JA should attend school and maintain regular activities. At school, parents should meet with teachers and administrators to ensure their child is progressing well considering their condition. They should also make an effort to educate the school community about JA. July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, so this is a good time to learn more about the condition. If your child exhibits symptoms, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician. Need a physician referral? Call St. Lucie Medical Center’s Consult-A-Nurse® line at 1-800-449-8345.
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