Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in children

Typical symptoms of pediatric rheumatoid arthritis include joint pain, redness, swelling, and limited mobility, which may also be accompanied by fever, fatigue, and rash. See a doctor promptly for a clear diagnosis. Drug treatment, physical rehabilitation, and lifestyle intervention can effectively improve symptoms and control the disease.

1. Joint symptoms: pain, swelling and limited mobility

The most notable manifestations of pediatric rheumatoid arthritis are joint swelling, pain, and dysfunction, which are common in large joints such as the knees, wrists, and ankles. There is obvious pain when the joints move, and sometimes the child refuses to move or limps. These symptoms are caused by synovial edema and increased joint fluid caused by inflammatory response. Parents should pay attention to their children's walking posture and daily activity ability, and seek medical attention as soon as possible if any abnormalities are found. In terms of treatment, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, and biologics such as adalimumab can effectively relieve symptoms, and they need to be adjusted regularly according to the doctor's instructions.

2. Systemic symptoms: fever, fatigue and loss of appetite

Some children may have a fever, usually intermittently accompanied by obvious fatigue, weakness, and even weight loss, which reflects the body's systemic inflammatory state. Families with a rheumatic background should be particularly careful and pay attention to similar symptoms early. Treatment can be achieved through short-term control of acute conditions with hormone drugs such as prednisone, while supplemented with a balanced diet to enhance the child's physical strength and immunity.

3. Skin symptoms: rash and purpura

Pediatric rheumatoid arthritis is sometimes accompanied by rashes, especially circular or annular erythema, and the skin around the joints becomes red and warm. These skin manifestations may be external signals of the disease, but they usually improve after the condition stabilizes. Be careful to avoid excessive sun exposure or friction stimulation to reduce the impact on the skin. Moisturizers or calamine ointments can be used to relieve minor discomfort.

4. Eye diseases: iritis and blurred vision

Some children may develop iritis or eye discomfort, which manifests as blurred vision, red eyes or photophobia. Early intervention of eye lesions is particularly important. Symptoms can be relieved by using anti-inflammatory eye drops or hormone ointments. If ignored, it may cause permanent vision damage.

Once the above symptoms are found in children, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible and undergo laboratory tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and imaging tests such as ultrasound and MRI, which are crucial for accurate diagnosis of the disease. At the same time, regular follow-up during treatment, scientific and standardized management of the disease, and adjustment of lifestyle habits can greatly improve the prognosis of the disease and quality of life. Parents also need to pay close attention to their children's emotions to avoid the psychological burden caused by long-term illness.