JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHIRITIS (JRA)

It is an autoimmune Disorder that causes problems in the joints. (Autoimmune disorder is one in which the immune system mistakenly attacks one’s own body tissues). Thus in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, the body’s cells attack the joints.

            Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a chronic disease leading to swelling, pain, stiffness and redness in the joints. Chronic joint affection leads to destruction and deformity of the joints. It can go into remission and relapses and can last for years. It is a common rheumatic disease that can also affect multiple other organs of the body.

The cause of JRA is still unknown. Infectious germs such as viruses, bacteria and fungi have been suspected. It is postulated that the tendency to develop JRA may be genetically inherited.