Juvenile Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe the many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that can develop in children ages 16 and younger.
Arthritis typically affects joints -- the word “arthritis” literally means joint inflammation: arth (joint) and itis (inflammation) – but JA can involve the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract as well.
In addition, there are several different types of juvenile arthritis. As JA’s prevalence rises, researchers and doctors alike are working to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the differences between the different forms.
The most common type of JA is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). To receive a diagnosis, a child should be younger than 16 and have initial swelling in one or more joints for at least six weeks. Over time, a child with JIA, now an umbrella term for several types of arthritis previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, may exhibit a variety of symptoms including muscle and soft tissue tightening, bone erosion, joint misalignment and changes in growth patterns.
No known cause has been pinpointed for most forms of juvenile arthritis, nor is there evidence to suggest that toxins, foods or allergies cause children to develop the disease. Some research points toward a genetic predisposition, which means the combination of genes a child receives from family members may cause the onset of arthritis when triggered by other factors.
Oligoarthritis and polyarthritis are both more common in girls, while boys and girls are equally vulnerable to systemic arthritis. Boys are more commonly diagnosed with enthesitis-related arthritis. Like everything else, there are exceptions to every rule, so work with your child’s doctor to get a proper and timely diagnosis.
Oligoarthritis and polyarthritis are both more common in girls, while boys and girls are equally vulnerable to systemic arthritis. Boys are more commonly diagnosed with enthesitis-related arthritis. Like everything else, there are exceptions to every rule, so work with your child’s doctor to get a proper and timely diagnosis.
Medications used to treat JA can be divided into two groups: those that help relieve pain and inflammation (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, corticosteroids and analgesics) and those that can alter the course of the disease, put it into remission and prevent joint damage, a category known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and a newer subset known as biologic response modifiers (biologics).
Each child responds to his or her treatment plan differently, so there’s no set course of attack for JA. Your child's doctor might try several different medications and/or dosages until your child responds positively to treatment. Some medications affect the immune system or have other side effects, making careful and frequent monitoring very important.
Each child responds to his or her treatment plan differently, so there’s no set course of attack for JA. Your child's doctor might try several different medications and/or dosages until your child responds positively to treatment. Some medications affect the immune system or have other side effects, making careful and frequent monitoring very important.
The most important step in properly treating your child’s JA is getting an accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic process can be long and detailed, but be patient. Your child’s pediatrician will likely recommend that you visit a pediatric rheumatologist who will then take a complete health history to determine the length of time and type of symptoms present.
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