Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a common type of arthritis that affects children; it is earlier known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Children under 16 years of age are mostly affected. It is a chronic disease that affects any joint of the body. The immune system mistakenly targets synovium (tissue that lines the inside of the joint). The synovium responds by making excess synovial fluid which leads to persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some children may see early symptoms for only a few months, while others have symptoms lifelong. Types include: Systemic arthritis, Oligoarthritis, Polyarthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Enthesitis-related arthritis.

Depends on the type of JIA, the symptoms vary: - Morning stiffness: child is unable to walk especially in the morning - Pain: the child appears clumsier than usual mainly in the mornings - Swelling and tenderness in the joints, mostly in larger joints such as knee - Limping, fever, rash, weight loss, fatigue, eye redness, and blurred vision Symptoms come and go over days or weeks. Children will have good days with very few or without any symptoms, and worse days with flare up symptoms.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis occurs when our own body's immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. Research indicates that it is an autoimmune disease. White blood cells can't tell the difference between healthy cells and germs. Both heredity and environment seem to play a vital role.

Treatment includes different combinations to relieve pain, reduce swelling, improve movement and prevent complications: - NSAIDs for pain relief and reducing swelling - DMARDs to prevent bone and joint destruction - Biologic agents including TNF blockers - Corticosteroids for severe cases - Physical therapy with exercise programs - Alternative therapies like acupuncture Lifestyle tips: Regular exercise (swimming is best), hot and cold therapy, balanced healthy diet, adequate calcium intake.