JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS
DEFINITION
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a form of arthritis that affects children and adolescents. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system attacks healthy body tissues. It often causes inflammation in the joints, which can result in pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joints.
CAUSES
The exact cause of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is unknown, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The disease is more common in children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 16, and primarily affects children.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of JIA can vary from person to person, but the most common include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, fever, fatigue, and weight loss. Children may also experience difficulty moving the affected joints and difficulty performing daily activities.
TREATMENT
Treatment for JIA varies depending on the individual case, but may include medication to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to improve joint mobility, and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joints. In severe cases, steroid injections or immunosuppressive drugs may be recommended to control inflammation.
It is important to treat Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis as early as possible to prevent long-term damage to the joints and improve the child’s quality of life. If your child has symptoms of JIA, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
