Rheumatoid Arthritis in Younger Individuals
Nearly 300,000 American children have arthritis in some form, and the most common form is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. JRA, as it is also know, affects nearly 50,000 United States children.
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.
Many researchers think that controlling cytokine production can help slow the progress of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Those in the holistic healthcare industry believe that cytokine production is connected to someone’s diet.
Kids with arthritis seem to benefit most from fruits high in vitamin C. Colorful vegetables and fruits contain phytochemicals, which help with inflammation. Blackberries, strawberries, kiwis, raspberries, cantaloupe, apples, and mangos are all part of the inflammation fighters.
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.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended for children with arthritis. Certain fish, including salmon, sardines, trout, herring, and mackerel, are rich in fatty acids, but should only be consumed in 3 ounce portions. These should be consumed twice a week for children under age 16, and it’s important to seek out mercury free fish in order to prevent health problems.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis usually shows up between ages 6 months and 16 years, and there are three major types. The majority of the time, the first signs of the disease are warm, reddened joints, and swelling.
1. Polyarticular arthritis — Swelling in five or more joints, such as knees, hips, feet, ankles, and necks; bumps or nodules on body; low-grade fever. 2. Pauciarticular arthritis — Swelling or pain in only four or fewer joints, and iris inflammation. 3. Systemic arthritis — Swelling in entire body; high fever; joint pain, swelling, and stiffness; enlarged spleen and lymph nodes; sudden onset and disappearance of a rash.
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.
Filed under: Health & Fitness