July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Juvenile Arthritis, also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, is an umbrella term used to describe many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions and pediatric rheumatic diseases. Juvenile arthritis affects nearly 300,000 children in the United States.
There are several types of Juvenile Arthritis:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
- Juvenile dermatomyositis
- Juvenile lupus
- Juvenile scleroderma
- Kawasaki disease
- Mixed connective tissue disease
- Fibromyalgia
Although the various types of juvenile arthritis share many common symptoms, like pain, joint swelling, redness and warmth, each type of JA is distinct and has its own special concerns and symptoms. Some types of juvenile arthritis affect the musculoskeletal system, but joint symptoms may be minor or nonexistent. Juvenile arthritis can also involve the eyes, skin, muscles and gastrointestinal tract.