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Juvenile
rheumatoid
arthritis
affects upwards
of 50,000
children in the
United States.
No one has yet
to discover what
causes juvenile
rheumatoid
arthritis. It is
believed to be
brought on by a
disorder of the
immune system.
The immune
system is
programmed to
fight off things
which can cause
the body harm.
When it turns on
itself and
starts
destroying
tissue, the
immune system is
out of balance.
Juvenile
arthritis can
strike a child
as young as six
months. There
are many types
of juvenile
rheumatoid
arthritis. It is
important to
understand which
form your child
has to help them
have an active
and normal life.
The symptoms of
juvenile
rheumatoid
arthritis can
include swelling
of the joints,
stiffness of the
joints, and
limping. Your
child may have
rashes and/or
high fevers.
If your child
has any of these
symptoms, you
should take them
to their
pediatrician for
a thorough
examination.
Your child’s
doctor will
perform blood
tests. One of
the blood tests
will be a CBC.
CBC stands for
“complete blood
count.” This is
a very common
test and it will
give your doctor
information on
your child’s red
and white blood
cells and
platelets. Your
child’s doctor
may also have a
blood culture
performed. This
is when blood is
tested for
bacteria. This
test is
performed on
your child’s
blood to rule
out an
infection. If
your child’s
doctor suspects
juvenile
rheumatoid
arthritis, he or
she may request
a bone marrow
examination,
erythrocyte
sedimentation
check, and a
bone scan.
If your child is
diagnosed with
juvenile
rheumatoid
arthritis, your
child will be
given medication
and may also be
enrolled into a
physical therapy
program. The
medication is
given to help
relieve
inflammation and
to alleviate
pain. Physical
therapy is
necessary to
restore the use
and function of
your child’s
joints. This
will help your
child’s physical
development, as
well as their
emotional
balance.
Your child can
lead a normal
life with
juvenile
rheumatoid
arthritis. By
educating
yourself about
juvenile
rheumatoid
arthritis, you
can help your
child overcome
and fight off
this disease. |
