Affecting mostly children, this inflammatory disease involves mostly joints and connective tissues. It is often confused with Lyme disease or arthritis. JRA usually attacks the joints of the knees, elbows, ankles, neck and can involve the close muscles, cartilage and membranes lining the joints. The disease is 4 times more frequent in girls and starts at 2 to 5 years disappearing by young adulthood.
Causes of Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid
The first symptoms occur often with physical or emotional stress. This is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissues.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid
Symptoms include: sudden or gradual pain, swelling and stiffness in the toes, knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders or neck joints, poor appetite, weight loss, anemia, irritability, listlessness, swollen lymph glands, eye pain and redness, and chest pain severe enough to affect the heart. The child may suddenly refuse to walk and have fevers accompanied with body rash and chills. Temperatures rise throughout the day to about 103° F (39.4° C) usually in the evening.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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