ANSWERS: 1
  • Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is an inflammatory disease that affects children under the age of 16. Swelling of the joints, limited range of motion and stiffness in the joints are all symptoms of this disease. JRA, as it is often referred to, is diagnosed in large part by testing for and excluding other illnesses that a child may experience. Risk factors for JRA can include gender, family history and environmental factors.

    Gender Role

    The Mayo Clinic states that girls are more likely than boys to develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

    Statistics

    The Cincinnati Children's Hospital estimates that while children are most apt to get JRA over another form of arthritis, the condition is not widespread in the general population. Less than 1 percent of children in the United States are diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

    Significance of Genetics

    Though the exact cause of JRA is not known, researchers think genetics play a role. Cincinnati Children's Hospital states that children who have family members with arthritis, or other inflammatory or autoimmune diseases may be more at risk for developing the condition.

    Importance of Infection

    According to the Mayo Clinic, environmental factors may increase his risk of being affected by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The combination of a child being ill with a viral infection and his genetic predisposition to inflammatory disease can be a factor.

    Racial Risk Factors

    For reasons that are not clear, according to the Mayo Clinic, children who are white have a higher risk for JRA than those of other racial backgrounds.

    Source:

    Mayo Clinic: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Cincinnati Children's Hospital: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy