How To Manage Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diagnosing JRA

It is important to see a doctor when any one of these symptoms persist in a child. A doctor will check a child’s medical history, along with giving a physical exam and ordering blood and imaging tests, such as x-rays. JRA has a lot of the same symptoms as other illnesses, thus it is important to rule out other causes of sickness. If ignored, JRA can cause life threatening health problems for children. Early diagnosis is the key to treating JRA as it will give the child the time to undergo the necessary treatment to live symptom-free and avoid any growth abnormalities. Once a child is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, it is important that they are seen by a pediatric rheumatologist who specializes in treating the illness.