Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month: Juvenile Arthritis.

​1 in every 300,000 children in the United States is affected by Juvenile Arthritis.

Juvenile Arthritis is an "umbrella term" used to describe a variety of autoimmune conditions that affect children under the age of 16.
The various types of Juvenile Arthritis share a wide variety of symptoms, such as joint swelling, pain, warmth, and redness. Some types of JA affect the musculoskeletal system. Others may affect the eyes, muscles, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.

Types of Juvenile Arthritis
Types of JA include the following: 
-Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
-Juvenile Lupus
-Juvenile Scleroderma
-Fibromyalgia

What causes Juvenile Arthritis?
While a cause for Juvenile Arthritis is still unknown, some suggest genetics may play a key factor.

How is JA diagnosed?
The journey to being diagnosed can be quite lengthy, as doctors want to be absolutely certain in their diagnosis. Your child will undergo a physical exam and he or she will look at your child's medical history. From there, your doctor will send you for various tests to help him or her with the diagnosis.

Treatment for JA
There is no cure for Juvenile Arthritis. However, an early diagnosis and treatment can help your child into remission. The goal of JA treatment is to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and help improve your child's quality of life.
Children with JA have a treatment plan that consists of medication, eye care, physical activity, and dietary education.

To find out more about Juvenile Arthritis, visit KidsGetArthritisToo.

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