• Published on: Nov 20, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is a form of arthritis that affects children. JRA causes inflammation and pain in one or more joints. The cause of JRA is unknown, but it may be the result of an immune system response gone wrong. It is not contagious.

JRA can cause long-term joint damage, which may affect a child's ability to walk, climb stairs, or play sports. Early diagnosis and treatment is important to help reduce the risk of long-term damage. Treatment for JRA includes medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids, and physical therapy to help keep the joints flexible and reduce pain. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a type of juvenile arthritis that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body but often affects the hands and feet.

The cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it may be caused by a combination of genes and environmental factors. It occurs most often in children between the ages of 2 and 16 years old, but it can occur at any age. Symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, warmness or redness in the joints, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, and rash.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a type of arthritis that affects children. It causes inflammation and pain in the joints, as well as other parts of the body. There is no cure for JRA, but there are treatments that can help reduce inflammation and pain. These treatments may include medications such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids, physical therapy, and surgery. It is important to seek treatment for JRA as soon as possible in order to get the best results. If left untreated, JRA can cause long-term damage to the joints and other parts of the body. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. There is no one definitive cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is believed that there may be a combination of factors that contribute to its development, including genetics and environmental triggers (like infections).

Treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis includes using medications to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as physical therapy to help keep the joints mobile. Some children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may also require surgery to repair damaged joints. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, or blood vessels.

Symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis typically begin before age 16. The most common symptoms include joint pain and swelling, morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour, redness or warmth in the joints, tiredness, poor appetite or weight loss, fever not related to infection (like the flu), and rash. There is no cure for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are treatments available to help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.  Symptoms of JRA include fever, feeling tired, joint pain, swollen joints, and redness and warmth in the joints. The condition is diagnosed based on a child's symptoms and a physical examination.

There is no cure for JRA, but there are treatments that can help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and improve function. These treatments include medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or biologics; physical therapy; occupational therapy; and surgery.

There are three types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: polyarticular, pauciarticular, and systemic. Polyarticular JRA affects five or more joints. Pauciarticular JRA affects four or fewer joints. Systemic JRA affects multiple organs in the body and can be life-threatening. JRA is caused by an autoimmune reaction, where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. The cause of this autoimmune reaction is unknown. However, genetics may play a role in causing JRA.

Some factors that may increase your child's risk include exposure to cigarette smoke, having a family history of autoimmune diseases, and being infected with certain viruses or bacteria. There is currently no cure for JRA, but there are treatments available that can help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints and improve your child's quality of life. Treatment options include medications There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for JRA, as the condition can vary from child to child. However, common treatments include medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS), as well as physical therapy and/or occupational therapy to help reduce pain and improve function.

Some children with JRA may also need surgery to repair damaged joints. Early diagnosis and treatment is key in managing JRA. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease that affects children. In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. Symptoms can include joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, redness, warmth, swelling, and loss of mobility in the affected joints. JIA can also cause problems with other organs in the body including the eyes, skin, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. To summarize there is no cure for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis but there are a number of treatments that can help to reduce symptoms and control inflammation.

If your child has been diagnosed with JRA, it's important to work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that fits your child's individual needs. Some things you can do to help manage JRA include:

-Making sure your child gets plenty of exercise. Exercise helps keep the joints mobile and can help reduce pain and stiffness.
-Eating a healthy diet. Eating nutritious foods will help ensure that your child gets the nutrients they need to stay healthy.-Making sure your child stays hydrated.

The best way to prevent JRA is to catch it early. If your child has any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:

  •  joint pain or swelling
  • limited range of motion in joints
  • fever
  • feeling tired or run down
  • poor appetite or weight loss

If your child is diagnosed with JRA, the doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that best meets your child's needs. Treatment may include medication, physical therapy, and/or surgery.

Read Blog
Air pollution

Impact of Air Pollution on Human Health: Risks, Effects and Prevention

Air pollution has become one of the most serious public health challenges worldwide. In India, rapid urbanisation, vehicle emissions, industrial activity and seasonal factors contribute to high pollution levels, especially in metropolitan cities. Understanding the impact of air pollution on human health is essential because exposure to polluted air significantly increases the risk of chronic illness and premature death.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths globally each year. Studies published in The Lancet highlight India as one of the countries most affected by air quality-related health burdens.

 

What Is Air Pollution?

Air pollution occurs when harmful substances such as:

  • particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

  • nitrogen dioxide

  • sulfur dioxide

  • ozone

  • carbon monoxide

accumulate in the atmosphere at unsafe levels.

Among these, PM2.5 particles are particularly dangerous because they are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

 

Respiratory Health Effects

The most immediate and visible impact of air pollution is on the lungs.

Short-Term Effects

  • coughing

  • throat irritation

  • wheezing

  • shortness of breath

Long-Term Effects

  • chronic bronchitis

  • asthma worsening

  • reduced lung capacity

  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable.

 

Impact on Heart Health

Air pollution does not only affect the lungs. Fine particles enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation.

Long-term exposure increases risk of:

  • hypertension

  • heart attack

  • stroke

  • atherosclerosis

ICMR reports show cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality in India, with pollution being a significant contributing factor.

 

Impact on Immune System

Constant exposure to polluted air weakens the immune response.

This leads to:

  • frequent respiratory infections

  • slower recovery from illness

  • increased susceptibility to viral diseases

Pollution also increases systemic inflammation.

 

Effect on Children’s Health

Children are particularly vulnerable because:

  • their lungs are still developing

  • they breathe more air relative to body weight

  • they spend time outdoors

Long-term exposure may reduce lung growth and increase asthma risk.

 

Impact on Pregnant Women and Infants

Research published in Lancet indicates that high pollution exposure during pregnancy increases risk of:

  • low birth weight

  • premature birth

  • developmental complications

Protecting pregnant women from pollution exposure is critical.

 

Air Pollution and Cancer Risk

Prolonged exposure to air pollution increases the risk of lung cancer.

WHO classifies outdoor air pollution as a carcinogen.

 

Mental Health and Cognitive Impact

Emerging research suggests pollution may contribute to:

  • cognitive decline

  • mood disorders

  • reduced concentration

Clean air supports brain health.

 

Seasonal Pollution in India

During winter months, many cities experience severe smog due to:

  • crop burning

  • temperature inversion

  • increased emissions

Monitoring Air Quality Index (AQI) helps individuals take precautions.

 

Signs of Pollution-Related Health Impact

  • persistent cough

  • chest tightness

  • eye irritation

  • unusual fatigue

  • worsening asthma

Individuals experiencing these symptoms should consult healthcare providers.

 

Preventive Measures to Reduce Exposure

Monitor AQI

Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days.

 

Use Protective Masks

N95 masks filter fine particles effectively.

 

Indoor Air Quality

Use air purifiers and keep windows closed during peak pollution.

 

Avoid High-Traffic Areas

Limit time near busy roads.

 

Maintain Healthy Lifestyle

Strong immunity helps reduce pollution-related health risks.

 

Role of Preventive Healthcare

Regular screening for:

  • lung function

  • blood pressure

  • heart health

helps detect early damage caused by pollution.

Urban populations should prioritise routine health checkups.

 

Long-Term Public Health Impact

Air pollution contributes significantly to:

  • healthcare burden

  • productivity loss

  • economic strain

Preventive awareness and environmental policies are essential.

 

Conclusion

The impact of air pollution on human health is profound and far-reaching. From respiratory disorders and heart disease to immune suppression and increased cancer risk, polluted air affects nearly every organ system. In India’s urban environment, proactive measures such as monitoring AQI, using protective masks and maintaining regular health screenings are crucial. Protecting oneself from air pollution is not just about comfort—it is a vital step in preserving long-term health and preventing chronic disease.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Air Pollution and Health Reports
  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Environmental Health Studies
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Respiratory and Cardiovascular Data
  • NITI Aayog – Environmental and Preventive Health Strategy Reports
  • Lancet – Global Burden of Disease and Air Pollution Research

See all

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