Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis in children. It is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to joint damage. JIA can also cause systemic symptoms, such as fever, rash, and fatigue.
There is no cure for JIA, but the condition can be managed with medication and other therapies. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in preventing joint damage and preserving range of motion.
This article will provide an overview of JIA, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What are the symptoms?
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form of childhood arthritis. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. JIA can also lead to joint damage, eye problems, and growth problems.
There are several types of JIA, which are classified based on the number of joints affected and the age at which the symptoms begin. The most common symptoms of JIA include:
- Pain and stiffness in the joints
- Swelling in the joints
- Joint damage
- Eye problems
- Growth problems
How to get a diagnosis?
Early diagnosis and treatment of JIA are important to prevent long-term damage to the joints. JIA is often diagnosed based on the child's medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. A child with JIA may also need to see a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
What treatment is available?
There is no cure for JIA, but there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for children with this condition.
The most common treatment for JIA is medication. This may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroidal drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biological drugs. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to correct joint damage caused by JIA.
With proper treatment, most children with JIA can lead relatively normal lives.