The disease juvenile idiopathic arthritis can be a difficult and disabling health issue for the children who suffer with it as well as their families. The most common form of arthritis to impact children, this disease was once known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The name was changed to better distinguish it from arthritic conditions that afflict adults. Unfortunately, this illness can end up lasting for many years and can take a serious toll on childhood health. A disease of the immune system, JIA can attack any joint, causing pain and swelling. Damage to joints, bones and cartilage can be the result. But the ravages of this illness are not confined to the joints. Severe inflammation can impact the eyes as well. The normal growth and development of childhood can also be negatively affected.
There are five categories of JIA, systemic, oligoarthritis, polyarthritis, psoriatic, and enthesitis. Systemic illnesses can travel to other areas of the body and cause serious health problems. Oligoarthritis is more common in young girls than in young boys and can frequently be outgrown by the time the child reaches adulthood. Polyarthritis will usually affect joints in pairs. For example, if one knee is impacted by the disease, the other knee will most likely be impacted as well. This variety is also more common in girls than in boys. Psoriatic cases will frequently be accompanied by a rash such as psoriasis. For some youngsters, the rash will be the first indication of the disease and can show up several years before traditional JIA symptoms make an appearance. Enthesitis related cases can afflict the spine and hips. The enthesis is the point where tendons attach to the bones. These cases will occur mainly in young boys who are at least eight years old. There can be a family history of this type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
A number of symptoms can indicate the onset of JIA including morning stiffness, and pain, swelling or tenderness of the joints. If a parent notices that a child is limping or suddenly is not able to handle simple motor activities, this could be an indicator of an impending problem. Fever and rash can also serve as warning signs of this serious childhood illness. Weight loss can be another indicator along with irritability and fatigue. Sudden vision changes such as eye pain, blurred vision , and redness of the eye can also precede the development of JIA.
Diagnosing juvenile idiopathic arthritis can be challenging. Generally, a physician will end up ruling out other diseases before a diagnosis of JIA can be made. A child's complete medical history will be required along with a physical examination. Other diagnostic tools could include the use of imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and a series of X-rays. Tests on blood, joint fluid, and urine can provide clues in identifying the specific type of JIA that the child is suffering from. There is no cure for the disease, but medical treatment can be effective in preventing damage to joints and relieving pain. Reducing swelling can be another important part of treating this disease. Keeping joints mobile and strong in spite of the ravages of juvenile idiopathic arthritis is also very important. A combination of medication and exercise can do much to alleviate a child's suffering and minimize any long term impacts on overall health.
A more serious form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis can occur when the disease becomes systemic. The majority of children who suffer from JIA will not exhibit these symptoms. The ten to twenty percent of patients who must deal with the systemic version of the illness may suffer from rashes that can last for weeks or even months. Fevers, fatigue, and a loss of appetite may also be factors. In some cases, a child will experience an enlarged liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Among this group of systemic sufferers, one third may develop problems with the heart. On top of all these issues, the typical joint damage will also generally occur. Joint related symptoms may last for ten years or more. Other systemic issues can continue for up to five years. Some of the complications of juvenile idiopathic arthritis could include inflammatory eye disease that can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis, and corneal degeneration. In addition to joint damage, a child may experience certain growth abnormalities such as imbalanced jaw growth and varying leg lengths. Systemic arthritis complications can include health issues involving the heart and lungs. The Bible instructs believers to show compassion to each other. "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." (1 Peter 3:8)
Treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis can include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These medications can provide relief for pain and cut down on swelling. Joint mobility issues may be addressed as well by these drugs. Damage prevention is another key benefit. These drugs could be purchased over the counter or may require a prescription. Corticosteroids injections may be called for in patients who suffer from severe pain and swelling. There can be health related repercussions involved in using these injections such as a weakening of bones. This may particularly the case when the drug is used over an extended period of time. Any steroid can be problematic when administered to children since these medications can interfere with natural growth. Exercise and physical therapy can also be beneficial for most patients. With the help of skilled physicians along with family support, children can survive and thrive in spite of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
There are five categories of JIA, systemic, oligoarthritis, polyarthritis, psoriatic, and enthesitis. Systemic illnesses can travel to other areas of the body and cause serious health problems. Oligoarthritis is more common in young girls than in young boys and can frequently be outgrown by the time the child reaches adulthood. Polyarthritis will usually affect joints in pairs. For example, if one knee is impacted by the disease, the other knee will most likely be impacted as well. This variety is also more common in girls than in boys. Psoriatic cases will frequently be accompanied by a rash such as psoriasis. For some youngsters, the rash will be the first indication of the disease and can show up several years before traditional JIA symptoms make an appearance. Enthesitis related cases can afflict the spine and hips. The enthesis is the point where tendons attach to the bones. These cases will occur mainly in young boys who are at least eight years old. There can be a family history of this type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
A number of symptoms can indicate the onset of JIA including morning stiffness, and pain, swelling or tenderness of the joints. If a parent notices that a child is limping or suddenly is not able to handle simple motor activities, this could be an indicator of an impending problem. Fever and rash can also serve as warning signs of this serious childhood illness. Weight loss can be another indicator along with irritability and fatigue. Sudden vision changes such as eye pain, blurred vision , and redness of the eye can also precede the development of JIA.
Diagnosing juvenile idiopathic arthritis can be challenging. Generally, a physician will end up ruling out other diseases before a diagnosis of JIA can be made. A child's complete medical history will be required along with a physical examination. Other diagnostic tools could include the use of imaging technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, and a series of X-rays. Tests on blood, joint fluid, and urine can provide clues in identifying the specific type of JIA that the child is suffering from. There is no cure for the disease, but medical treatment can be effective in preventing damage to joints and relieving pain. Reducing swelling can be another important part of treating this disease. Keeping joints mobile and strong in spite of the ravages of juvenile idiopathic arthritis is also very important. A combination of medication and exercise can do much to alleviate a child's suffering and minimize any long term impacts on overall health.
A more serious form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis can occur when the disease becomes systemic. The majority of children who suffer from JIA will not exhibit these symptoms. The ten to twenty percent of patients who must deal with the systemic version of the illness may suffer from rashes that can last for weeks or even months. Fevers, fatigue, and a loss of appetite may also be factors. In some cases, a child will experience an enlarged liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Among this group of systemic sufferers, one third may develop problems with the heart. On top of all these issues, the typical joint damage will also generally occur. Joint related symptoms may last for ten years or more. Other systemic issues can continue for up to five years. Some of the complications of juvenile idiopathic arthritis could include inflammatory eye disease that can lead to glaucoma, cataracts, uveitis, and corneal degeneration. In addition to joint damage, a child may experience certain growth abnormalities such as imbalanced jaw growth and varying leg lengths. Systemic arthritis complications can include health issues involving the heart and lungs. The Bible instructs believers to show compassion to each other. "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." (1 Peter 3:8)
Treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis can include the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These medications can provide relief for pain and cut down on swelling. Joint mobility issues may be addressed as well by these drugs. Damage prevention is another key benefit. These drugs could be purchased over the counter or may require a prescription. Corticosteroids injections may be called for in patients who suffer from severe pain and swelling. There can be health related repercussions involved in using these injections such as a weakening of bones. This may particularly the case when the drug is used over an extended period of time. Any steroid can be problematic when administered to children since these medications can interfere with natural growth. Exercise and physical therapy can also be beneficial for most patients. With the help of skilled physicians along with family support, children can survive and thrive in spite of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
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