Rheumatoid Arthritis in Juveniles
Statistics prove that nearly 300,000 children in America have a form of arthritis. The most common form is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, or JRA, and it affects nearly 50,000 children in the U.S.
The origin of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in the body is still a mystery, but many reasearchers believe is is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease causes the body’s immune system to attack itself, which produces to many cytokines. As a result, areas of the body become inflamed. Cytokines are chemical signals used for communication between cells, and are important for immune system responses.
If cytokine production is controlled, the degeneration from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis may also be controlled. People who practice holistic healthcare believe that cytokine production control is related to one’s diet.
Ingesting fruits high in vitamin C provides great benefit for children suffering from arthritis. These fruits, such as blackberries, raspberries, kiwis, strawberries, mango, apples, and cantaloupe melon, all have phytochemicals, which help fight inflammation.
Vegetables with high amounts of vitamins A and C may also help fight inflammation in the body. Vegetables in this category include sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, kale, carrots, collard greens, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli.
It is also recommended to consume foods or dietary supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These include certain types of fish including: herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and trout. It is recommended to limit fish consumption to 3-ounce portions, consumed twice a week, for children under age 16. Whenever possible, seek out mercury-free fish to avoid potential health problems associated with mercury.
Normally, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis appears in children 6 months to 16 years, and the first signs are joint swelling and redness. There are three major types of JRA:
1. Polyarticular arthritis: low-grade fever, bumps on the body, and swelling or pain in five or more of the body’s joints. 2. Pauciarticular arthritis: inflammation of the iris, and swelling or pain in four or fewer joints. 3. Systemic arthritis: includes the whole body, and may include a high fever; enlarged spleen and lymph nodes; sudden onset and disappearance of rash, and joint swelling, stiffness, and pain.
To effectively minimize the effects of JRA, it’s important to get an early diagnosis. If your child is diagnosed, educated yourself and others about the disease in order to help give your child an active lifestyle. Make sure to contact your physician is you see any of the above symptoms with your child. Before being able to diagnose JRA, your doctor will get the detailed medical history for your child, give a thorough medical exam, and draw blood for further testing.
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