What is juvenile chronic arthritis?

Juvenile chronic arthritis - also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis - is a disorder that affects children under 16 years of age. Most children are withdrawing diseases aged 2 to 6 years, although it may vary in some cases. Like adult rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system begins to attack its own cells, which can cause pain and other symptoms. The biggest difference between adults and juvenile versions of the disease is that many children tend to recover as they age, while adults are generally stuck for the rest of their lives. There are also some differences in the way the disease progresses and changes in the approach biased during treatment.

The most common form of juvenile chronic arthritis is pauc-articular arthritis, which affects 50 to 60 percent of patients. This version of the disease generally causes pain and stiffness in four or less joints and usually affects larger joints such as Knees or hips. Pauci-articular arthritis is more common in womenAnd the first symptom that most people notice are limp. Children usually close the disease around 3 years and, as aged, can be vulnerable to certain eye diseases, which can lead to long -term loss of vision. Most doctors recommend a regular visitor to an ophthalmologist as a preventive safety measure.

Polyarticular arthritis is the second most common form of juvenile chronic arthritis that affects 20 to 30 percent of patients. Generally causes pain and stiffness in five or more joints, including large and small joints. Most patients do not show symptoms until they reach their adolescents, and this version of the disease can very often monitor the person into the life of an adult when developing on a regular rheumatoid arthritis.

The most precious form of juvenile chronic arthritis is systemic arthritis, and generally affects about 10 percent of diagnosed children. By the main symptomY are recurring pink rash around thighs, fever and swelling of the joints. Over time, this can also cause swelling and damage to organs such as heart, liver and spleen. In most cases, children will recover from this disease within five years, but there are rare situations where they can continue to adulthood.

The treatment of juvenile chronic arthritis often includes a combination of physical therapy and drugs. Physical therapy will have a general goal to maintain the body limb and maintain common functionality. Doctors often prescribe various reliefs of pain, especially non-steroid-anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Sometimes steroids are also used, but most doctors avoid excessive use due to fear that they can disrupt the child's natural growth patterns.