Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: Facts You Must Know
November 6, 2008
When you noticed that your child has swollen joints with high fever and an inexplicable rash, you must see the doctor immediately because he may be having what is called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). This disease occurs in children below the age of 16.
Symptoms of JRA
The common symptoms of JRA are inflammation in the joints which makes them red warm swellings that turn to sores accompanied by excruciating pain and immobility. The main symptoms are joint pain, swollen joints stiff joints and irregular sleeping patterns. The pain is so severe that it is mostly unbearable for the child. The child’s iris could be affected sometimes.
Types of JRA
Three types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are known. They are polyarticular arthritis which begins usually at the knees and hips and comes with the most severe pain which even worsen with time; pauciarticular arthritis, one of the most common cases of arthritis in children; and systemic arthritis which is the most serious but uncommon type with the swelling at all joints and can even affect other organs of the body.
Causes of JRA
What actually causes Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis has been a big puzzle for doctors all over the world. They however agree that there are a number of contributory factors that lead to its appearance. It is believed that an active immune system could be the cause of its appearance. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is also known as idiopathic arthritis in children. It is also best referred to as an autoimmune disease.
What happens is that the white blood cells are not able to differentiate between the normal healthy cells of the body and the foreign substances that attack the body such as bacteria and viruses. The white blood cells which are supposed to fight off foreign matter and organisms that attack the body now turn on the normal body tissues attacking them instead of protecting them. This causes a disorder in the auto immune system. When this happens, certain chemical substances are released. These chemicals also destroy the healthy joints causing the pain and inflammation. Doctors also think that there could be some genetic reason associated with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.




























