Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA, Juvenile Arthritis)

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s tissues, causing inflammation in joints and possibly other areas of the body. It is the most common type of arthritis found in children. In fact, nearly 300,000 of people ages 18 and under in the U.S. have some form of arthritis. Doctors aren’t sure what causes JIA, but early treatment is important to prevent or slow joint damage.

Symptoms

Not all children have the same symptoms, but JIA patients commonly have one or more of the following symptoms:

Joints that are warm to the touch
Swelling and tenderness
Fever and rash
Limping
Pain and stiffness (often worse after period of inactivity)
Difficulty bending or straightening joints completely
Fatigue and sleep problems
Swollen lymph nodes
Reduced appetite and/or weight loss

Treatments

There is no cure for JIA, but remission is possible with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. Treatments, including medication, exercise, eye care, dental care and proper nutrition, are available to treat pain and reduce inflammation. Surgery is rarely necessary and if so only at later stages to correct leg problems or replace a damaged joint.

Commonly prescribed medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), which are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines. Your child’s doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids, such as prednisone, which are strong anti-inflammatory medicines that work quickly compared to NSAIDs.

Eye and dental care is also important for children with JIA. Children with JIA should have their eyes checked regularly to reduce the chance of vision loss. Pain in the jaw joint can make brushing and flossing difficult. JIA also may make going to the dentist difficult for children who are unable to hold their jaws open for long periods of time and they may need more frequent visits that are shorter in length.

Parents and caretakers of children with JIA can help them by ensuring they get plenty of physical activity and eat a nutritious diet. Since they are dealing with a very adult health issue, children with JIA also may face emotional challenges. Professional counseling may help along with support from family and friends.

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