Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is experienced by approximately 50,000 children within the United States. This disease affects the young who are under 16 years of age, with some children showing signs at 6 months old. The medical community generally agrees that these individuals are afflicted with an autoimmune disease.
The most common complaint of those that suffer with JRA is the painful swelling for their joints. Depending upon the severity and form of JRA there are additional complications which may be present as well. In order to determine the type of JRA, the number of joints being affected plays a large role.
When the issue is not limited, or found throughout the body, it is called systemic. The next form is known as polyarticular which is associated with a combination of small and large joints being affected; there is a minimum of five for each joint size. Pauciarticular is most often found in the knees or wrists and has fewer than five joints which are involved.
Systemic JRA rarely occurs. Additional complications an individual may suffer include fever and a rash. The rash typically appears in conjunction with the fever and is visible on the torso and extremities of the child.
Children who develop polyarticular JRA usually have the symptoms in their arms and legs. Occasionally, this type will also attack the jaw or cervical joints. The development of rheumatoid arthritis has been strongly associated with this form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Despite pauciarticular JRA having a fewer number of joints involved in the process it has other complications involving the eyes. Patients who develop this form of JRA may also have issues with inflammation of the uvea, iris, or the iris and ciliary body. These issues can lead to altered vision, as well as eye pain and redness.
The medical treatment that is provided to a child with this health condition varies by severity and complications. In most cases the use of anti inflammatory therapy along with physical therapy is the preferred method of management. In the event there is a painful flare of symptoms, stronger medications may be provided on an as needed basis.
The need for exercise is vital. Activity provides a means to strengthen the muscles and encourage joint flexibility. Some individuals may be given specific exercises to practice to create the best overall results.
Children with JRA are regularly required to have some sort of joint replacement surgery. Special considerations for the emotional and mental needs of these young patients should be made. These young patients often develop anger and frustration due to this disease and the other complications which develop.
As one would assume, the more joints that are affected the more serious the problem being dealt with. The young age of these patients has proven to lead to developmental issues such as slow or abnormal growth. Additional medical concerns include inflammation developing in the heart and eye complications.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease that requires medical supervision. There are a number of tests which can be performed by a licensed medical provider to identify the problem. As with any health condition, rapid and knowledgeable attention should be sought at the first signs of problems.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating disease that affects over 50,000 children in the United States. Find out more about this disease at: http://rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms.co/