• 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.

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Reasons Behind Low Haemoglobin in Non-Anaemic People

Reasons Behind Low Haemoglobin in Non-Anaemic People

When people think of low haemoglobin, they often assume it's always linked with anaemia. But that’s not always true. You can have a slightly low haemoglobin count even if your red blood cell count and iron levels are still in the normal range.

So, what does it mean when non-anaemic people have low haemoglobin? Should you worry? Let’s explore the reasons behind low haemoglobin in non-anaemic people and what you can do about it.

 

What Is Haemoglobin?

Haemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. The average normal levels are:

  • Men: 13.5 – 17.5 g/dL
     

  • Women: 12.0 – 15.5 g/dL
     

Levels just below the normal range may not be classified as anaemia—but they can still indicate something going on.

 

Common Reasons for Low Haemoglobin in Non-Anaemic People

1. Mild Nutrient Deficiencies

Even if you’re eating regularly, you could still lack key nutrients needed to build haemoglobin—such as:

  • Vitamin B12
     

  • Folate (Vitamin B9)
     

  • Vitamin C (helps absorb iron)
     

Low levels of these don’t always lead to full-blown anaemia but can reduce haemoglobin production.

 

2. Chronic Inflammation or Infections

Your body may produce less haemoglobin during periods of chronic inflammation—such as:

  • Thyroid disorders
     

  • IBS or gut issues
     

  • Low-grade infections
     

These may not show symptoms right away but can slightly lower your haemoglobin over time.

 

3. Dilution from Overhydration

If you drink too much water before a blood test, your blood plasma volume may increase and dilute your haemoglobin, giving a lower reading.

This is temporary and often not harmful, but it can confuse test results.

 

4. Hormonal Imbalances

Conditions like hypothyroidism can subtly affect red blood cell and haemoglobin production.

In women, heavy menstrual bleeding can cause periodic dips in haemoglobin levels—especially if not supported with iron-rich nutrition.

 

5. Athletic Training (Pseudo-Anaemia)

In endurance athletes or those who do high levels of cardio, the body increases plasma (fluid) volume to improve circulation. This can lower the haemoglobin concentration without reducing red cell count—this is called athlete’s pseudo-anaemia.

 

What Tests to Consider

If you have low haemoglobin but no signs of anaemia, your doctor may recommend:

  • Serum Ferritin (iron storage)
     

  • Vitamin B12 and Folate tests
     

  • Thyroid profile
     

  • CRP or ESR (for inflammation)
     

You can get these tests easily with home sample collection from trusted platforms like SecondMedic.com, powered by Thyrocare.

 

Should You Be Concerned?

If your haemoglobin is:

  • Slightly below normal (e.g., 11.8–12.2 g/dL)
     

  • You have no symptoms (fatigue, paleness, breathlessness)
     

…then it may not be an emergency. However, monitoring and lifestyle changes are still important.

If it drops further or if symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.

 

What You Can Do Naturally

Improve Your Diet

  • Eat leafy greens, legumes, citrus fruits
     

  • Add iron-rich foods like beetroot, dates, and jaggery
     

  • Pair iron with vitamin C (e.g., lemon + spinach)
     

Reduce Inflammation

  • Avoid excessive sugar, fried foods, and processed meals
     

  • Include turmeric, ginger, and antioxidants in your diet
     

Stay Active but Balanced

  • Don’t overtrain
     

  • Rest and hydrate well, especially before blood tests
     

 

Conclusion

Low haemoglobin without anaemia is more common than you might think. The causes are often mild and reversible, but keeping an eye on your numbers and adjusting your diet or lifestyle can make a big difference.

If you’ve been wondering about the reasons behind low haemoglobin in non-anaemic people, now you know how to understand and manage it better—naturally and confidently.

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