Concerns For Sufferers Of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis in juvenile 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 primary symptom which is commonly dealt with is painful swelling of joints. Depending upon the type of JRA, the child may also have fever, rash, eye disorders, stiffness and diminished range of motion, and occasionally swelling of the lymph glands. The type of JRA is based on the number of joints which are involved.
When a child has less then five joints involved, it is referred to as pauciarticular. When more than five joints are causing problems, it is then called polyarticular. When the entire body is affected it is known as systemic.
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.
Polyarticular arthritis is typically seen int he arms and legs of a child with the disease. A child may also have issues with their jaw and neck. Most children who have been diagnosed with this type of JRA will continue on to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
While those individuals who suffer with pauciarticular JRA have fewer joints involved in the progression, it is common for them to develop eye complications. Inflammation of the tissues of the eye including the ciliary body, iris, and/or uvea. Chronic inflammation of these tissues can lead to eye pain, visual disturbances, 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.
Overall, the greater the number of joints involved the more serious the prognosis. Due to the effect of this disease in children, it is not unusual for there to be complications with growth. Other complications may include blindness and pericarditis, or inflammation of the heart.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a serious chronic condition that must be followed with a medical provider limit unwanted complications from developing. Several tests can be used to diagnose this condition. Anyone caring for a child who suspects JRA should see medical advise.
