Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Testing for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

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.