Symptoms of JIA

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

This condition is the joint inflammation, which usually affects the people around age 16. Problems that this condition causes are rash, swelling of the lymph nodes, fever and some heart problems. In order to diagnose the problem, doctor will perform the physical examination and the symptoms. Following the diagnosis, treatment will be conducted, usually consisting of medications and exercising. This is a very rare problem and the exact cause of it is still unknown, although some specialists suspect it may be hereditary.

Symptoms

This condition has several types that are determined by the symptoms caused. The difference is made by the number of affected joints and by the symptoms that have developed under or over six months of the condition. The first usually hits less than four joints which are swollen and in pain. Parts of the body such as shoulder and hip are usually not affected, while knee is very popular for this type of the condition.

Polyarthritis usually hits more than five joints that can be found on both sides, like two knees. The symptoms will develop very slowly, but warmth and swelling will be experienced. Systemic disease can affect locations around the joints and it is followed by fever and rash that last for two weeks. Rash will be pink or Solomon colored and it can change location after several hours. Inflammation can cause the enlargement of lymph nodes, spleen and liver. It can also expand the inflammation to the heart membrane and cause the pain. This condition impairs the physical growth. The most affected areas are small chin and a jaw. Deformities are possible if the problem is not attended. Problem of the inflammation of the iris of the eye can also happen.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The doctor will examine the symptoms and perform blood tests. Blood test is done if antinuclear antibodies or rheumatoid factors are present. But these items do not have to be present when juvenile idiopathic arthritis is present. Alterations of the joints and bones can occur because of this condition, so regular exams are advised. Once the diagnosis is done, the treatment will be done next. For the treatment, drugs for inflammation and pain are used, and for the most severe cases, corticosteroids are given. They are usually injected right into the joint.

Remember that the problem can be removed for several years and then return. Physical therapy will also have to be done. Early detection of the problem may be crucial in fighting the condition, so try to visit the doctor regularly, in order to detect this or any other kind of problem in time. The treatment will surely be more effective if the condition is spotted in the early phase.