Juvenile arthritis

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Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis (pronounced: joo-vuh-nile ar-thry-tis), also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is a term used to describe a group of long-lasting, chronic, inflammatory diseases that affect children under the age of 16. The etymology of the term comes from the Latin juvenilis (youthful) and the Greek arthron (joint) and -itis (inflammation).

Definition

Juvenile arthritis is characterized by persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Some children may experience symptoms for only a few months, while others may experience symptoms for many years. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can even result in physical disabilities.

Types

There are several types of juvenile arthritis, including:

  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA): This is the most common form of arthritis in children. It can cause persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  • Juvenile lupus: This is an autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, skin, kidneys, blood, and other areas of the body.
  • Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis: This is a type of arthritis that affects the spine and the sites where the muscles, tendons, and ligaments attach to bone.
  • Juvenile dermatomyositis: An inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness and a skin rash on the eyelids and knuckles.
  • Juvenile scleroderma: Scleroderma, which literally means "hard skin," describes a group of conditions that causes the skin to tighten and harden.

Causes

The exact cause of juvenile arthritis remains unknown. However, it's believed to be related to both genetic and environmental factors. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's cells and tissues, causing inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body.

Treatment

Treatment for juvenile arthritis focuses on helping the child maintain a normal level of physical and social activity. To achieve this, doctors may use a combination of strategies to relieve pain and inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve functional abilities.

See Also

External links

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