Challenges of juvenile arthritis

It's the middle of the summer, and for millions of children, the days are long and filled with fun. However, for children with juvenile arthritis, summer days can be challenging.

It's estimated that about 300,000 children and adolescents are affected by some form of juvenile arthritis, an umbrella term that encompasses many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions as well as rheumatic diseases in the pediatric population.

Arthritis means inflammation of a joint or joints, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms in children with JA may include:

n Joint pain

n Stiffness

n Swelling

n Fever

n Rash

n Tired

n Loss of appetite

n Difficulty with daily activities such as dressing and playing

Doctors use several different approaches to diagnose the illness, including a physical exam, symptoms, family history, lab tests and x-rays, but reaching a diagnosis is not always easy.

Children with JA are best treated by a team of health care professionals including a physician, physical therapist, eye doctor, and pharmacist, among others. In general, the methods of treatment include efforts to reduce swelling, maintain joint movement and relieve pain.

Researchers aren't sure what causes JA, but are studying genetic and environmental factors that are possibly involved. Currently, there are several research studies underway across the country investigating possibilities. If you'd like more information about JA, visit www.niams.nih.gov.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health

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